wind speed limitations

[michaelmrc]

am curious as to what the realistic wind speed limitations for a 27 ft boat with new sails would be. i guess what im asking is what would be the limit this size of boat should be out in. thanks

[Chuck Baier]

The limit is restricted by the condition of the boat, age of the rigging etc., skills and abilities of the crew, sea state for given winds. Hope that answers your question.

[imagine2frolic]

Originally Posted by Chuck Baier

The limit is restricted by the condition of the boat, age of the rigging etc., skills and abilities of the crew, sea state for given winds. Hope that answers your question.

Also how much sail you have up. Do you know how to reef?

[Vasco]

It's not the boat, it's you. What I'm saying is it all depends on your experience. If you're a beginner I would say not more than 20 knots, and reef if it's over 15.

[michaelmrc]

the standing and running rigging is only 4 yrs old the sails are brand new ive been out in 20kn winds reefed and seemed fine just wondered what would be considered too much. dont want to damage the new sails etc...

[imagine2frolic]

When I sailed my mono. I used the 20 degree mark of heeling for judging when to reef again. Can you reduce your headsail size?

[michaelmrc]

i have 2genoas and a storm jib not as sexy as a furling headsail but thats a future aquisition.

[imagine2frolic]

The more you can reduce that more wind the boat will take. If the genoas are the same size I would try to find a way to trade for a middle sized sail. When hanking the more choices in headsail area the more effecient , and comfortable the boat will sail.I carried 5 headsails on my mono. Until I went to roller furling with all new sails..............i2f

[michaelmrc]

ok so if im looking for a new furling system any recommendations on type as well can someone tell me what size of sail i should be looking for. i see 110 135 and 150's why would i not go right to the 150 and reduce if necessary.thanks

[Pelagic]

When choosing sail weight and size for your boat, what you need to consider is the prevailing winds for your area and find a good balance for your type of sailing.

Talk to a sail manufacturer about your area and how you use the boat and he will give you some specific advice.

[rtbates]

Originally Posted by michaelmrc

ok so if im looking for a new furling system any recommendations on type as well can someone tell me what size of sail i should be looking for. i see 110 135 and 150's why would i not go right to the 150 and reduce if necessary.thanks

IF you are going after a reefing as well as a roller furler headsail, and you should, the larger the sail, the more of it ends rolled up to get to say 100% the worse the sail shape, all things being equal. That said our Cape Dory 25D has furlex 130 that I routinely reef to 100% and she points just fine. Be sure to move the sheet leads forward. You also want to get a foam luff to help with reefed sail shape.
At this point the winds are well over 30, we've had her out in 45 (on purpose) so beating hard to windward is usually not what we do. She will though if push comes to shove. It's just very wet and gets old fast. We go out in these winds to try different sail combos to see what works best. The number one thing you need to be able to do is reef and reef deep. We have two reefs in our main and a third is coming. Our narrow, slack bilged Cape Dory, just doesn't need or want much main. First reef at 15 or so 2nd and 20 with the headsail next to be reefed if not already partialy rolled.