UPGRADED sail inventory

We kicked off 2021 with an upgraded sail inventory and some important changes. A re-built inhauler system (here full article); changed from roller furling to hanks (full article) and new outboard leads for both genoa and jib.

Two months in the season, let us look at upgrades, additions and reflections.

We mainly sail distance racing, shorthanded or singlehanded, inshore and offshore. With this in mind, a few points guided our sail inventory:

• Ease of handle. Ability to change sail with few hands. Headsail reefing.
• Broad range and cross-overs. Headsail change shorthanded takes time and spinnaker “peeling” is looking for trouble. We chose to prioritize a broad TWA range per sail and relatively large cross-overs. We have also enhanced trimming possibilities to exploit well each sail across the range.
• Durability. short of hands tidying on deck and actively trimming, sails flog more, reefs set in early and mistakes happen more frequently.

Other considerations:

• Non overlapping jib is practical and tends to be the norm. However, not all yachts are made equal. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 32i comes to life with her original sail plan. She suffers (and we too) becoming quickly underpowered and unbalanced in lower wind speeds.
• The boat never planes. She quickly comes to her hull speed and stays there (unless surfing) without building too much apparent wind. We decided therefore to stick to symmetric spinnakers only.

Here the relationship with the sailmaker has been key key. Long discussions with Bengt at Albatross Segel, reasoning on what works and what does not. Material, shapes, systems. Last but not least, a prioritisation plan to make it viable.

GENOA G1 130% Aramid Sport

Our largest headsail.

While the SF32i can feature even bigger genoas, we felt that 130% was a handful already. Additionally, we can carry it across a wide range, up to 15kn TWS. We have not yet worked the best trim to stretch the range to 16/17kn, but we’ll get there.

The material is a relatively new product called Aramid Sport, produced by Dimension Polyant, with a core in aramid filaments, providing almost no stretch at very low weight, covered on both sides by a popular taffeta called “Light Skin”. The light skin is a thin layer of randomly laminated array of non-woven polyester filaments. It adds durability, chafe resistance and UV protection.

Because of the tracks position we resorted to genoa inhaulers to obtain the correct foot shape of the genoa. Check out the post linked above.

We are figuring out the sweet spot, but I am impressed with the sail performance so far. It is very sensitive to trim and commands constant attention and careful helming. But it is a blast and well worth the effort! Here our report from Stora Oset tune-up where we had the opportunity to sail the G1 in race mode for the first time!

In the medium-low range it does pay to move inboard the lead a few centimetres. The balance on the helm becomes evident and it immediately shows on the log.

When the angle opens up and wind increases, sheeting at the outboard lead is very effective.

JIB G3 105% Aramid Sport

A sail designed to be a weapon across a wide range. From 12kn TWS upwards. It is reefable, so that in a squall, we can skip a headsail change. The old furling line and clutch works as a reef tack, so that we can put/release the reef from the cockpit. When reefing, the clew is too high to reach. A short line attached to the clew is therefore hidden in a pocket along the leech where the sheets can be clipped on.

The material is Aramid Sport, the same as four Genoa. It however comes as a blend of thicker filament structures to support higher loads. The sail is relatively flat and it is clearly accented to work best in the higher wind span.

We cannot sheet in with extreme angles. In fact beyond 8 degrees the boat is choked and speed drops. It is however absolutely fine in the TWA range we expect this sail to work.

When TWA increases, sheeting at the outboard lead is a must to keep the top of the sail from twisting off entirely.

The sail is fast in its range (although we have not tested reefing in heavy weather yet). Note that reefing is practical in a squall or when conditions requiring sail reduction are temporary. It is not kind on the sail. If we expect predominant heavy conditions, we sail our heavy weather jib.

Performance deteriorate fast as soon as wind speed drops and the larger genoa must go up.

SPINNAKER S2 0.9oz

Our old AP spinnaker looked tired and showed stretching signs at the clews. Additionally, it was a little smaller than our largest spinnaker, which “costs” under SRS handicap rule. Satisfied with our light air spinnaker from Albatross, I decided to order a new S2, and pension our older spinnaker to cruising and training sail.

The sail is designed for a wide range of wind speed, from 8 to 20 knots of wind, to avoid need for peels as much as possible.

This spinnaker is fast, but not forgiving. I takes a lot and it gives a lot.

We feel that the current sail inventory is finally complete for the type of sailing we do and our skills level. We need a few more miles under the keel to comment on durability and figure out what can be improved.

Stay tuned!