Replacement Genoa

[xcw]

I need to replace the furling genoa on my 36ft AWB. I was wondering whether to upgrade to a crusing/racing genoa rather than the standard cruising genoa (same sailcloth I believe but with a more complex panel layout). Will it make much difference to performance to justify the extra cost? Also will a foam luff make much difference? I don't race my boat but like to get the best performance from her. The boat has a furling main.

 

[earlybird]

I replaced my furling genoa with a tri-radial cruising laminate sail from Kemps 3 years ago. It's a nice sail, but really very little gain performance-wise, you'd have to know your boat very well to notice it. OK, there will be some but your talking tiny fractions of a knot and a deg. or two better pointing. Important if you race, but, if I did, I'd not be using roller reefing sails. The tri-radial cut reduces stretch and improves sail-shape at higher wind speeds, but by then, most cruisers are spoiling the shape by roller reefing anyway, negating any real advantage.
For a roller reefing genoa, a foam luff is neccessary IMHO.
For increase in performance, a new slab reefing main will will give you greater return for your money.
Having said that, any new, half decent sail will be an improvement over an old, well worn one.

 

[jonjo]

Having said that, any new, half decent sail will be an improvement over an old, well worn one.

Wise words indeed.

While the banking world was being seduced by complex financial instruments we sailors were seduced by exotic sail cloth. Time for normal service to be resumed, go for woven dacron and maybe a bi-radial cut if the aspect ratio is suitable.

 

[dunedin]

Definitely go for the foam luff - huge difference to windward when part reefed

 

[jason -and the arguenauts]

Got a tri radial laminate from Kemp like Earlybird and I agree with his conclusions. The difference is probably worth while if racing but I wouldnt bother for cruising. I wouldnt bother with the foam luff either - I'd go for a second genoa at 100% high cut with the money saved on the cost of the radial laminate with foam luff..

 

[dunedin]

Jason - I agree a second 100% jib is even faster than a foam luff. Our boat came with a very high aspect Kevlar racing number 3, which goes very fast and high to windward. BUT we have only used it twice in 3 years, as the effort of unfurling and stowing a large genoa, and drying and stowing the No 3 after use, means only use if facing a very long heavy wind beat (30 miles plus) - and frankly try to avoid them ;-)