Thanks for all the input. I have 110 and 145 laminate genoas. In the past, with >2 crew, I used the 145 until Fall when the winds were strong, but as I have done more and more single-handed racing (non-spinnaker) in the last few years, I found the 110 was much easier to handle upwind, so I am currently rated for that sail (133 vs. 121 for the larger). I agree that speed is not significantly compromised upwind (much to my surprise) when it blows 8-10 or more. I have done quite well racing with the 110. It is downwind where I was wondering if the larger sail would have advantages. If increased speed downwind was significant, it might overcome the disadvantage of the sail shape and wind disruption of partial furling upwind. Certainly wing on wing, I would think the larger sail would be significantly faster, but haven’t tested that yet. When I get a chance, I will try with the full sail and then partially furl and see if I can detect a speed difference. As a scientist, I know that data rules, so I need to get some, unless someone has done this already. Dave
S/V Aries 1990 C&C 34+ New London, CT > On Sep 12, 2022, at 4:18 PM, ALAN BERGEN via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> > wrote: > > When I was still racing, I used non-furling sails. I started with a 152; then > switched to a 135, and finally to a 110. Each switch gave me a higher PHRF > rating. Switching to a 135 gave me six seconds more, and the 110 gave me an > additional three seconds. Going from a 135 to a 110 cost me very little > speed, but I pointed higher, more than making up for the slightly lower > speed. More often than not I was first to the windward mark. Off the wind I > used a spinnaker, so I didn't need a larger jib. > > In answer to your question, I have a furling genoa with foam sandwiched > between sailcloth layers (near the luff). I can sail with the furled genoa > and still have good sail shape. It doesn't damage the sail, but furling on > the wind in heavy air is difficult. I can use a winch, but I have to be > careful not to get overrides. If you don't use a spinnaker, try using the > furled genoa and non-furled genoa, depending on wind conditions. If you have > a 110, try racing with that and get your PHRF rating increased. Another > advantage of the smaller sail is it's easier for the crew to get it all the > way.in <http://way.in/> much faster. Let us know how these suggestions work. > > Alan Bergen > 35 Mk III Thirsty > Rose City YC > Portland, OR > > > > On Mon, Sep 12, 2022 at 7:12 AM David Knecht via CnC-List > <cnc-list@cnc-list.com <mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com>> wrote: > I was talking to the skipper of a J27 who nearly always wins our PHRF class > and he was telling me that while he wins a lot, he struggles in heavier air. > He said he had recently started partially roller furling his large genoa for > upwind legs and then unfurling downwind when the wind was strong enough to > overpower him. I have never considered doing that and my larger genoa does > not have “reef points” . What are the groups thoughts on the > value/feasibility of this? Any reason it would be bad for the sail? It > certainly would be easier than putting on my smaller sail when winds are > questionable. I worry about not only sail shape, but when partially furled, > the furler and genoa sheet are fighting each other, which might not be a good > thing for the furler. Dave > > S/V Aries > 1990 C&C 34+ > New London, CT > > <pastedGraphic.tiff> >
