Genoa size

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Mr Cassandra

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Hi I would be interested in comments regarding the size of genoa. What are the pros and cons over size .I am thinking of 150% for the med, am I right or should I take other things into consideration? I like the idea of as big a sail as possible. cheers bobt
 
A 150% genoa on a 44' boat will take alot to wind in on the wind, especially if the winches are a bit small; you should not notice too little drop in performance with a slightly smaller size - say 130-135% - & will be easier to tack et..

BTW - Sun Magic 44 on my list for next boat - any good??
 
If you are considering a sun magic I would say imho it was is one of the best yachts that Jenneau have made !! everybody that ive meet cannot belive how good these high spec boats are remember they were £ 125000 when launched in 1988 I have often had guests that have owned Rassies and najads comment that it a better boat than theirs .and it is when you consider I sail in east med . BTW winch sizes are large .cheers bobt.
 
Have you considered an MPG as an addition to your sail wardrobe. This means that you have a very large light sail for light airs and cans till keep your genoa for stronger winds or if you ahve to do a lot of tacking. Have a look at crusader-sails.co.uk for an example - but any decent sailmaker will make you one. I would suggest around 1.0 or 1.2 ozs for Med use.

Alan.
 
If there is no wind or very little wind (less than 10kts) , you will motor sail, particularly if passage making.
If there is breeze in the med, the chances are that it is a strong breeze (my experience from 2 years living in greece). taking this into account, I'd recommend a 110-120% genoa which will be easier to handle will still give good performance in 10+ kts of wind but will be a far better shape and give you much better performance in the 15-25kt wind range. Foam luff to give a better shape when furled and good quality laminate for shape stability. Different if you are racing.
 
I do agree that a smaller less overlapping genoa with a higher clew is better shaped and more practical especially for shorthanded crews. Long footed genoas don't reef well and you have to move the cars a long way forward.
Supplemented with an MPG for really light airs.
I have also supplemented my smaller genoa with an occasional self tacking staysail which I find I use more and more.
 
I am expecting my new Hong Kong sails today, I had the same thoughts, so instead of the old 150% have ordered a 110% genny with foam luff and high clew. Hopefully this will mean better shape reefed and less sheet car adjustment.
 
I have just changed from a 150% genny to a 132%.The 150% was great inlight airs but in anything of a blow obviously needed reefing earlier.The 132% is much easier to tack & the vision forwards is much improved.
 
Something else to think about is the genoa track. If the sail is so large that the sheet block has to be at the extreme aft end of the track, the upward pull puts a great strain on the aftmost fastener. OK if you can bolt through the deck to a backing plate but if the track is screwed onto the toe rail, it can pull adrift.
 
Interesting comment re Laminates! Have just had discussions with 2 Sailmakers (Nationally Known Outfits) who both strongly advised me not to go down the laminate route if going to the Med! as current suppliers will only warranty for 12 months..... due to UV effects, both said go for Dacron?
How Long have you had yours out in the sun?
 
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