Daydreamer
07-02-2007, 02:38 PM
I have been slowly repairing an Ariel (#132) in Honolulu over the past few years, and am finally preparing for an interisland sail. The last item on my list is to secure a "bulletproof" headsail that can withstand 30 plus knot winds for cruising in the Hawaiian islands. Even though the distances are short, most people here prepare for such a sail as if it were off-shore, blue water cruising due to the risks involved. I have been checking out a lot of sites for both used and new sails, but this is my question:
What are the optimal sail configurations for this type of sailing for an Ariel? For example, Do I go with a smaller headsail (75%) and perhaps one reef in the main, or with a genoa (120%) and two reefs in the main. I am worried that a larger headsail, despite the double reef, will be overpowered, but that a smaller headsail may not provide a lot of power to move the boat upwind.
In the case of the smaller headsails, I have found it virtually impossible to find used sails with approporiate dimensions for the Ariel that are heavy weight (probably 8 oz Dacron) with hanks. Many sales reps have suggested that I have one custom built, but before I do that, want to make sure I have the optimal sailing configuration. (my main sail can be double reefed).
I am on a shoestring budget trying to realize a dream of sailing interisland in Hawaii, but can probably only invest in one headsail right now. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
What are the optimal sail configurations for this type of sailing for an Ariel? For example, Do I go with a smaller headsail (75%) and perhaps one reef in the main, or with a genoa (120%) and two reefs in the main. I am worried that a larger headsail, despite the double reef, will be overpowered, but that a smaller headsail may not provide a lot of power to move the boat upwind.
In the case of the smaller headsails, I have found it virtually impossible to find used sails with approporiate dimensions for the Ariel that are heavy weight (probably 8 oz Dacron) with hanks. Many sales reps have suggested that I have one custom built, but before I do that, want to make sure I have the optimal sailing configuration. (my main sail can be double reefed).
I am on a shoestring budget trying to realize a dream of sailing interisland in Hawaii, but can probably only invest in one headsail right now. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks