Interesting discussion on sail selection. And that is a broad subject.
What kind of racing?
While I have retired from racing, I clearly remember racing with a sail
inventory....4 head sails (150% light and heavy air...#1, 135%...#2, and
a 100%..#3), 2 spinnakers (systematical 3/4 oz. and a 1/2 oz.). Many
races we (I as the foredeck person) was changing head sails to suit
changes conditions. We sometimes did a spinnaker peel (something we
practiced). The main stayed full until we had to go down to the #3.
Much of this racing was on a C&C 33 MKII and a C&C 34R.
Where I sail here in Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia, Canada, there is no
one sail that works best for any given race day. I am now a reacher,
not a racer, but I still know the difference in sail selection for the
conditions. I now sail much of the season with a furled 135%...it is my
go to sail...many days my 100% blade is the sail to have...one day last
year, a fellow lister here that we raced a lot together, was coming with
me for an afternoon sail and he said "it is going to be a light air day,
bring your 155% light air Kevlar today.... I did we dropped the 135% and
hoisted the 155% and it was the right sail for the day. The next day,
no way could I hoist the 155%.
One head sail for racing is something I have no knowledge and/or
experience in and therefore have no relevant or helpful advice.
If you wish to race with only one head sail, and your prevailing wind is
around 10 knots true, my best guess would be a 135%.
Robert Abbott
AZURA
C&C 32 - #277
Halifax, N.S.
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