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new sails help

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77Gypsy
Captain

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USA
356 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/27/2005 : 23:14:39

After my 40 mile journey to my new marina and Gypsy's new home, Sailing through rain and fog, i realized i absolutely need new sails. I may get a full batten to replace my main but my problem is the genoa. I have a 150%, it seems that in heavy wind it is much too large so i have to roll some with my furler causing my pointing ability to decrease. When the wind is light, the sail seems too heavy. i was thinking of going for a 130%-ish, if so, are they all the same weight or can i buy one a little lighter? is buying one which is a little lighter dangerous in 15-20 kts of wind?

Thanx!

Steve
78 C25 SR/FK - Gypsy

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 03/28/2005 : 08:17:45

Steve,

I had a 4 oz. 150 made a few years ago that I didn't like either. It seemed to blanket the main sail so that neither one filled well. I'm currently having it cut down to a 135, which seems to be a fairly common size headsail among Catalina 25 owners. The 150 is good for light air up to around 10 or 12 knots. Fifteen to 20 knot wind is much too strong for a 150. The smaller the sail, the heavier the clothe, the more wind you can use it in. My North 110 is a hefty 7.3 oz material. I wouldn't use it over 20 knots though. I usually have one reef in the main by then. With wind approaching 25 to 30 knots I'm putting in a 2 reef. With too big a headsail and a double-reefed main, the rig is unballanced and doesn't sail well at all. A 60% working jib sails well in this case.

All of this sail changing got to be pretty old over the years so,in conjunction with reducing the 150 to a 135, I'm also getting roller furling. End of problem.

If your 150 is still in decent shape, try having it cut down to a 135. It is probably 4 oz clothe. This is a cheaper alternative to a new sail and you can see if you like the smaller size while getting a few extra years out of your sail.

Al
GALLIVANT #5801

Edited by - aeckhart on 03/30/2005 13:33:19

Brooke Willson
Admiral

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USA
983 Posts

Response Posted - 03/28/2005 : 09:08:54

Talk to some other Chesapeake sailors about a full batten main. Most of the summer, our winds are so light you may find that an all-full batten main won't allow you to make the sail full enough to be effective. After much discussion, I had a sail made with two full battens at the top, and partial battens lower down. For the Chesapeake, I've found it perfect. When the winds are light, I ease the outhaul and the boat picks up speed. If the winds increase, I flatten the sail for control. Full battens restrict that control (NOT eliminate, all of you who are about to rush to defend full battens. Restrict.).

Brooke

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 03/28/2005 : 09:36:53

Steve,

I agree with Al...a 135 is a good roller furling sail for our C25's.

With roller furling, one accepts the compromises (limited sail choices) for the convenience. This means having a headsail that is neither too small nor too big for the local prevailing conditions. The 135, depending on local conditions, seems to be a good compromise. Besides, I see from your picture that you fly an asymmetrical spinnaker which will help fill in your headsail options on the higher end.

As you found out, reefing a roller furler produces diminishing results. Although my current headsail doesn't have a foam luff (my next one will), I've heard it greatly improves sail shape when reefing.

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 03/28/2005 : 17:25:34

Steve,

As an after thought, I am having my 110 genny set up for my new roller furler as well as cutting down my 150 to a 135. As Don mentioned, headsail efficiency decreases as it is rolled up. To stay as competetive as possible in our club races, I'll slip the 110 on when th wind pipes up to 15 knots plus. I'll use the 135 on light air days and when cruising/daysailing.

Al
GALLIVANT #5801

Edited by - on

atgep
Master Marine Consultant

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1009 Posts

Response Posted - 03/29/2005 : 11:31:34

I bought a Cruising Direct 135 last year and really like it. it is heavier that the previous 140 I had. The best thing was the price.

Tom.

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 03/29/2005 : 13:09:32

Don,

I understand you are interested in a foam luff with your next roller furled head sail. I am having a North Sails innovation installed on my 135 called a "luff rope". It is used in place of the foam. It allows the sail to retain its shape when unfurled and is less bulky and more stream lined than foam when the sail is rolled up. They have a more detailed explanation on their web site. It's also cheaper to install than foam and, when you have to replace your sail, you can use the same luff rope for the new sail.

Al
GALLIVANT #5801

Edited by - on

SJ
Navigator

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USA
198 Posts

Response Posted - 03/29/2005 : 13:41:06

I have ordered a 140 5.77oz from the local Doyle loft here on LI. I'll let you know when its gets here, and of course when the boat is wet.

SJ

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 03/29/2005 : 14:34:10

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by aeckhart
 Don,

I understand you are interested in a foam luff with your next roller furled head sail. I am having a North Sails innovation installed on my 135 called a "luff rope". It is used in place of the foam. It allows the sail to retain its shape when unfurled and is less bulky and more stream lined than foam when the sail is rolled up. They have a more detailed explanation on their web site. It's also cheaper to install than foam and, when you have to replace your sail, you can use the same luff rope for the new sail.

Al
GALLIVANT #5801
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Al,

Yes, I have heard of "Rope Luff", I just used the generic "foam luff" term because most are familiar with it. I learned about the Rope Luff in a discussion on the forum last year and I'm very interested in how it performs.

Thanks for the heads up and let me know how it works!

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 03/30/2005 : 13:39:14

Don,

I'll let you know how the luff rope works. John Vining and Arlyn Stewart will be sailing up here with me this summer. Perhaps they can also give their assessment.

Al
GALLIVANT #5801

Edited by - on

Scott L
1st Mate

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52 Posts

Response Posted - 04/02/2005 : 10:14:16

Check out Lee Sails. I got a new main last year and just ordered a new 135% ($530) hank on. Good quality and the service was great.

Edited by - on

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