Submitted on March 28, 2007 by Bob Hassell

Question: I'm considering the purchase of a Beneteau 323 but it comes with a small 116% furling jib -- small for Pacific Northwest light winds, that is. Unfortunately the outboard shrouds and short inboard track seem to preclude use of a larger sail (say 130% genoa?) that can be furled down when necessary. So I'm wondering what light air sail options I have?

Two questions:

1. Beneteau will provide Genneker gear, they say, but for which sail?
Given the limitations of the jib in light conditions is your G-0 the sail I need in order to sail to weather and also downwind when the wind picks up? Or will the larger and wider G-3 be a better choice?

2. Are both sails installed the same way, or does the G-0 (with a luff rope to flatten it, I'm told) get tacked down more like a genoa whereas the G-3 has an adjustable tack pendant? And since there's not much room for a tack eye or block forward of the jib roller-furling gear how best to avoid fouling it?

Many thanks,
BOB HASSELL

Answer: Hi Bob,

I will do my best to answer your questions

1. Although the G-0 is designed to be closer winded than our other cruising Gennakers, it is not what I would consider an upwind sail. In perfect conditions, 10 knots and smooth water, you could sail as high as perhaps 40-45 degrees apparent. A light 135%-150% genoa, despite the outboard shroud position would be a better choice, as the overlap adds to the power in the back of the sailplan, increasing helm, resulting in better pointing ability.

2. G-0's are much flatter sails, hence furlable. That's not to say everyone runs themn from a furlng system. The bigger fuller G-AP3 and G-AP2 can be flown either infront of the headstay or behind and generally do incorporate the use of a tack pennant, that can be fixed in length or adjustable, depending on how much one want to optimize their performance. Gybing a G-AP3 or G-AP2 is possible with either configuration. We do have a video that goes into this in detail.

Best of luck!
John Gladstone

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