Been thinking of replacing our sails as they are just a bit baggy and in need of some minor repairs. During recent maintenance evolutions on the boat we found the sailbag for the genoa. We thought, when we purchased the boat, it was a 135% Genoa, but after finding the tag inside the bag, it turns out that it is actually a 145% for a C30 tall rig or C34 standard rig. We knew the luff was a bit short as I had to add a 12" pennant to stop the furler from trying to wrap the halyard on the forestay. Quotes from reputable sailmakers all seem to be in the same ballpark.
So essentially what we have now is Rolly Tasker main and jib (not entirely sure how old); somewhat less than 135% headsail with too short a luff and the clew rides a bit high and a somewhat baggy partially battened main with 1 reef and a bolt rope foot. Thinking of going with a true 135 or 140 with a proper foam luff, full batten main with 2 reefs and a shelf foot. Thoughts? Will we see marked improvement? Any other suggestions or considerations?
Dan & Amanda Reed
1989 Catalina 36 #947 Miss America
Fin Keel Std Rig
FL Panhandle
Hi,
I use to race my C36 TR, with main (full battens just the two uppers) and genoa 145. When the wind builts up, we set and inner stay with a 105 Solent.
We would like to made a new 130/135 genoa, but all the lofts we have asked, are concerned about the ability to point, they state that because of the spreaders, the 135 will not be able to sail as close to the wind as the 145.
I'm not discussing the sail makers, but I'm surprised, Catalina direct is offering a 135 genoa...
Best regards from the Mediterranean!
Eladio Vallina
C-36 TR EUREKA II
Hull 1122 (1991)
Home port Barcelona (Spain).
Needless to say new sails will enhance your sailing and performance. I sell a ton of sails each year and have always gone by the rule, buy a sail that fits your boats performance profile. In other words, trying to make a heavy Boat perform in light air never works well. Think of it this way, your never going to make a c36 perform well in 8 knots of wind, you’ll move but not like a fast light displacement racer. The difference with your 36 with a 155 vs 135 is at most a knot. Now put your boat in it’s sweet spot say 14-16 kts and the 155 is over powering your boat, the CE moves back and the extra heel and sideways slippage doesn’t translate into Boat speed just heel. Go to a 135 or 140 and the Boat sails fine and you should be able to sail it unreefed to close to 20kts. Reef with a foam luff and you can reduce to 120/125 and still hold shape and keep CE forward in 25 kts. If you’d like to discuss, email me off line at chiclasser1@yahoo.com I can give you some more insight into your sail options.
chic Lasser c36 MkII tech editor
Mack Sails & Rigging
Chic-
Nice explanation. I have a 135 Genoa, and upwind performance/sail shape really does degrade when it's reefed to ~ 115-120%. The 135 size is right for our kind of sailing and conditions (cruising in moderate weather).
Paul & Wendy Keyser
"First Light"
Rye NH
2005 C36 MKII #2257
Wing, M35B