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150 genoa clew height

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weluvlife
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Initially Posted - 07/19/2003 : 21:58:34

Hi,

Is there any advantage to having a clew low to the track? i.e. Deck Sweeper.

I know they are more difficult to tack, but was wondering if they are faster sails, and if so is it significant.

What is a good height, assuming track positioning is not an issue.

I realize that say with a 170 genoa, having the clew too high, would cause proper sheeting angles to have a block at the very back of the boat.

Mark Eichman
Lake Don Pedro,CA
'86 c25 TR, SK

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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5909 Posts

Response Posted - 07/20/2003 : 11:20:25

Deck sweeping jibs have long been regarded as "faster" than more high cut jibs, because it is supposed that it results in an "end-plate effect," and also because it adds sail area at the lowest part of the sail, where it does not also add weight aloft. Currently, the benefits, if any, of the end plate effect are being debated, and the standing rigging disturbs the wind somewhat when the sail is trimmed for a beat, but my personal opinion is that deck sweeping jibs are still a little faster than higher cut jibs.

High cut jibs are generally preferred for sailing in heavy weather, where waves might break over the foredeck, plop into the lower pocket of the jib, and shred the jib.

We average sailors should have to tell our sailmaker the basic dimensions of our sails and how and where we intend to use them, and the sailmaker should know how best to cut them for our purposes.

When I have ordered sails, I told the sailmakers that I planned to use the sails primarily for racing and cruising on an inland lake. They made the 150% genoas deck sweepers, and they made my 110% jib more high cut, which makes perfect sense to me.

If you order a mainsail, you should tell them whether you want a traditional, bolt-roped foot, or a racing shelf foot, or a loose foot. I like a racing shelf foot, which was, until very recently, generally preferred for racing, and I really like it for all purposes. In the past few years, some knowledgeable people have been claiming that loose-footed mainsails generate more power and can be shaped more easily. I can neither confirm nor deny that is true, but when I bought a new mainsail recently, I ordered it with a racing shelf foot (and also a flattening reef), because I know it is fast and very adjustable, I haven't <u>seen</u> any indication that the loose footed mainsail is superior to it, and I am still seeing big-time race boats that are still using shelf footed mainsails with flattening reefs.

In short, I don't think there is clear proof as to which is the better type of foot, and you really have to rely on the greater weight of opinion and your own instincts in deciding which type to order. In any case, I doubt that it makes much difference. I suspect both are fast.

Steve Milby "Captiva Wind" C-25 T/FK #2554

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weluvlife
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Response Posted - 07/20/2003 : 11:51:49

Thanks for the generous reply Steve, I appreciate it. Now I just have to come up with some dimensions for a 170, 1.5 ounce sail I'd like to order from Lee Sails. How high should the clew be on a sail like this?

Mark Eichman
Lake Don Pedro,CA
'86 c25 TR, SK

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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5909 Posts

Response Posted - 07/20/2003 : 20:37:51

The dimensions for a 170% headsail are not specified by any Catalina materials I have seen. What I would suggest is that you go to the home page of this website, and then find the sales brochures. On page #4 of the original Catalina 25 sales brochure you can obtain the P, I, E and J dimensions for your boat (either standard or tall rig). If you furnish those dimensions to Lee, they should be able to determine the dimensions for a 170% headsail.

Steve Milby "Captiva Wind" C-25 T/FK #2554

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.