Submitted on February 8, 2006 by Jurij Priatka

Question: Hi, I have an Alerion Express 28 with the Hoyt boom system. Currently I have the standard NorthSail jib it comes with. I believe it's either 90% or 100% jib. I do not believe it gives me adequate sail area for really light air days on the LongIsland Sound. I am considering getting a Genoa and would like to know what size is appropriate for my boat. Additionally, would you be able to prove the specifications for the placement of a Genoa track or any additional hardware to support a Genoa, or would I need to go back to the manufacturer. Also, would I need any other hardware if I were to outfit the boat with a G-2 Gennaker and snuffer for downwind sailing, if I chose that as well.

Thanks in advance for the info.

Regards,
Jurij Priatka

Answer: Hello Jurij,

Thank you for your questions regarding the Alerion Express 28. North Sails has provided sails for this boat since its inception and we have a good deal of experience with the items you have addressed.

Your Hoyt Boom Jib has an approximate 90% LP. While this jib is quite versatile in a variety of wind speeds and angles, like many displacement boats, the Alerion 28 can benefit from added sail area and power in light air. For this reason, we have built many 150% Genoas for the Alerion 28 owners who are racing or looking to improve light air performance.

Winches and genoa tracks are one of the options commonly fitted on new Alerion 28's and can be ordered directly from Pearson Composites. The standard track is usually 3' long and can accommodate a low clewed 150% genoa. While Pearson can provide the specific location and installation instructions, the front of the track is located approximately 15' aft of the headstay and just a few inches outside of the cabin house to maintain a narrow sheeting angle. The track style is optional but I would recommend using a towable style car with purchase system to provide the optimum lead position through a variety of conditions. The Genoa style we normally sell is a 3DL Mylar/Kevlar racing laminate and is designed to fit on the roller furler. This sail usually does not include any other roller furling features like a UV cover or reefing patches.

The G2 Genneker is another great way to add sail area and power to the Alerion 28 for your downwind sailing. We have sold many of these sails to Alerion 28 owners including many in Long Island Sound. Again, Pearson Composites customer service sells a genneker hardware kit which will have the necessary hardware to rig and use the Genneker with snuffer. These items include the spinnaker halyard, tack block, tack line and rope clutch, two spinnaker sheets and blocks which could also be supplied by any qualified rigger.

North Sails also has a comprehensive DVD instructional video we can provide to help with your gennaker rigging and use.

I hope this information is helpful in making your decisions regarding your Alerion 28 sails. Please feel free to contact me at any time if I can provide any additional information or answer any specific questions.

Best Regards,
Bill Fortenberry

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