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 What wind speeds to change head sail		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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Treads
Deckhand

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1 Posts
Initially Posted - 10/27/2017 :  21:30:33  Show Profile
Just wondering what wind speed do others change head sails. The reason I ask is I change from my Hank-on 155% Genoa to the 110% when I cannot hold 22 degrees or less heel as read on here. I am still new to the boat and I have a race tomorrow with forecast winds @ 10mph on the lake and would like to start with the correct sail rather than panic to change before or during. I have a tall mast, fin keel and would like to hear from others.

Neil
5231

Bill Holcomb
Admiral

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USA
769 Posts
Response Posted - 10/28/2017 :  10:25:15  Show Profile
Hi Neil,
Full Mainsail and 155 should be fine for breezes to 10 kts... depending on the condition of your sails. If the sails are old and stretched, you won't be able to flatten them as the breeze increases. So, excessive heeling. You won't be able to point with others with newer sails either.
Bill Holcomb - C25 Snickerdoodle #4839
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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5851 Posts
Response Posted - 10/28/2017 :  13:22:26  Show Profile
When you're cruising, the objective is to get to your destination safely, without damaging the boat, in comfort and quickly.

When you're racing, the objective is to get from start to finish safely and in the least amount of time. Comfort is of little concern, and you understand and accept the possibility that you might break equipment when you press the boat hard.

Most races have, at a minimum, a windward leg and a downwind leg. If you're racing with white sails, then on the windward leg, there is a premium on carrying the most sail area the boat can carry efficiently, without being overpowered. On the downwind leg, the goal is to carry as much sail area as possible.

Let's suppose you correctly conclude that you can sail the windward leg a bit faster by flying your #2 jib instead of your #1. Suppose that, halfway to the windward mark, the wind goes light. You're stuck with a small jib while all your competitors are flying their #1. The'll beat you to the windward mark.

Now, suppose, that all your opponents flew their #1 jib, the windspeed held up, and so you beat them with your #2 jib around the windward mark. When you sail the downwind leg, they'll be carrying more sail area than you, and they'll all pass you on the downwind leg. You'll lose the race.

My point is that the winner is not the person who sails the windward leg the best. The winner must sail both legs better, on average, than all the competitors. So, in any given race, you might decide to fly the #1, even though it might overpower the boat a bit on the windward leg, because the #1 will help you more on the downwind leg. In that case, you'll need to use sail trimming techniques to depower the big jib on the windward leg, and then, when you round the windward mark, power it up.

Choosing your sail configuration before a race is a judgment call. If you're right, you'll be competitive. If not, maybe you'll do better next time.

Sometimes it takes a long time to learn what a boat likes.
Steve Milby J/24 "Captiva Wind"
previously C&C 35, Cal 25, C25 TR/FK, C22
Past Commodore
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.