Submitted on January 3, 2007 by Jim Pearson

Question: We just purchased an Irwin 34 Citation and would like to put a Genoa/Jib track on the deck. Right now all of the headsail sheeting is through snatch blocks on the rail. We have a 110% roller furling genoa and will probably add a 140-150% roller furling sail. Are there any general guidelines for track placement and length? Would it be better to try to install one track long enough to accommodate both sails or position two shorter tracks?

Jim Pearson

Answer: Hi Jim,

Thanks for your note regarding your recent purchase of an Irwin Citation 34. I know the boat pretty well since an old employee and her husband had one called "Cotton Cutter" here on Galveston Bay. Now the boat is located at Lakewood Yacht Club. Since your from Port A you may know of that club.

First off the answer to your question is yes. A genoa track can be installed to accommodate an overlapping genoa. The results would be slightly better upwind performance at a higher tacking angle. I have attached a picture (worth a 1000 words) to help you with placement. When the time (and budget) comes we would be more then happy to work up a sail quote on the larger genoa.

Best regards,

Jay Lutz
North Sails

Email North Sails with your question today!

<-- Go BACK to Solutions for Sailors Main Page.