It is time to replace my original jib. My sailmaker suggest a 135 genoa, but since I am quite an amateur, could I have some input from you?
I am a typical inshore cruiser, new to sailing, and it is more comfort with the family, than fighting the elements.
A concern i have are the leads. They are quite short on a 32 cruiser. Are they suiteble for a 135 genoa?
Not a good idea I think. The boat was designed to have a just overlapping sail - not exactly sure for the 32 but my later 33 is 106%. There was never a genoa option so I think you will find the coachroof mounted tracks do not go back far enough for a 135%. I can understand part of the thinking - the design does lose out once the wind gets aft of the beam because of the lack of foresail sail area, but the loss is offset by the better performance on the wind and particularly the ease of sail handling. I regularly short tack up and down Poole Harbour single handed with little effort.
I have a furling asymmetric cruising chute which improves the offwind performance in lighter airs.
Thanks :) symphony2. The sailmaker came and measured, and it was not possible with 135%
The tracks were not long enough. So I changed to the original size (110%).