120% Genoa versus 100% Blade Jib which is better ?

[bill@custardpie]

OK maybe this is a simplistic question but:

Scenario :

Beat to windward in a Force 3-4, flatish water, standard production 21st century cruiser/racer fractionally rigged

Dilemma:

If you have a choice between an overlapping 120% genoa sheeted around the shroud or a smaller say 100% blade jib sheeted to barber haulers inside the shroud.

Lets assume the blade will get you close to the speed the polar diagram predicts. Will you get anything more from the 120% genoa ?

Which do you go for ?
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[Twister_Ken]

The biggest you can set to sheet inside the shrouds - let's you point higher. In my case 109%

 

[jonjo]

I went for a 100% blade jib 6 years ago. The replacement will be a more versatile 120% with a higher clew. My performance cruiser has a high SA/displacement ratio so the light genoa only makes a few appearances each summer.

A high aspect blade requires much focus to get a tight furl in the upper half of the jib. If not done correctly high winds might get under a loose furl and unwrap it when unattended.

Out sailing I once put in a lazy poor furl and got a counter wrap at the top. I was single handing at the time any spent 40 minutes in the dark off Start Point on the foredeck trying spinnaker unwrap tricks, in the end I had to drop the foresail.

In heavy weather when part furled you will probably run out of track forward to maintain the right clew sheeting angle. Even before this limit is reached the geometry of a high aspect foresail means more car position tweaking.

Blade jibs are for large crewed racing yachts looking for a few extra % of speed.

 

[Bobc]

120% Genoa every time.

It's less twitchy and easier to keep set well, it'll produce a good slot and help the main, and it'll give better balance.

 

[BAtoo]

FWIW - Sailing a similar boat to yours my next sail will be a 100-105% blade jib - already got the 130% and often need to reef it.
Will also be easier to sheet in for single-handed/light crew.
And my handicap should improve.....