Headsail luff length

[Don107]

Hi to all
When i purchased my Sailmaster 845 it had a headsail with it that i believed was originally a Dragon Genoa as the previous owner (deceased) was a Dragon sailor
Compared to the other 3 headsails the Dragon one has a shorter luff
I sent all the headsails to a sailmaker to be checked and repaired and he said not to bother using the Dragon sail on the Sailmaster
I am wondering if there is any conditions where the shorter luff sail might be handy to have onboard or should i leave it at home in the shed
This is a photo of the no1 Genoa up and from memory the Dragon genoa is only 3/4 the luff length and probably 2/3 the foot length of this sail
Any thoughts would be appreciated
Regards Don

 

[sarabande]

If the sailcloth weight of the Dragon sail is the same as the #1 genoa, there's not much point as you are just reducing sail area - though that could be useful if you wanted to be able to look under the foot and see where you are going.

If the Dragon sail is heavier cloth than the genny, then you have a sail for stronger winds. Using a strop at the tack or the head will adjust the sheeting angle to one which suits the existing footblock/winch layout, unless you have an adjustable track.

If the cloth is lighter, then I can't see any real advantage in having it on board.

 

[Don107]

Hi Sarabande

I think that the cloth is heavier than the Sailmaster no 1 (or perhaps it hasn't had as much use) and it does have a ajustable track for the headsail sheets

Regards Don

 

[Don107]

Something else i should mention is the smallest headsail i have has a full length luff and a shorter foot than the Dragon sail but probably roughly the same overall area

Regards Don

 

[sarabande]

How many headsails do you want ? (assuming not a furling luff) I think that a

#1, light weight for Bft 1 to 3,

#2,medium weight with say 70% of the #1 area for Bft 2 to 5,

#3, heavy cloth with say 40% of the #1 area for Bft 4 to 'go home time'.

Very roughly.

In heavier weather, a sail whose foot is set high off the deck does not catch waves and spray that jump on board, and will provide better vsibility under the foot.


It looks as if you must decide between the existing smallest sail, and the Dragon sail as a #3. And thats's a matter of cloth weight, condition of the sail, area, and personal preference.