Submitted on November 8, 2005 by Peter Anoia

Question: I am considering adding a 135 genoa to my inventory. The boat is an O’day 22 using hank-ons. I would have to install track leads on deck because I have always just had the working jib that is the standard size for the boat with an immobile fairlead (positioned approximately 12’8” from the tack). I was wondering where I should put the tracks, i.e. how far back from the bow chainplate where the sail tacks. I haven’t ordered the sail yet, but when I do, clew height would depend on where the tracks are, just where I would position the tracks depends on clew height. I plan on 2-foot long tracks and would rather have them placed for optimum use with the genoa rather than have them far enough forward solely to accommodate the jib fairlead (though that would be a plus if it somehow worked out). If I decide to predetermine the clew height, what would you recommend? The boat would be used mainly for daysailing and coastal/inshore cruising on the Chesapeake Bay. Of course, performance is still important; deck-sweepers I consider a hassle due to the limited visibility. Is there a way to determine the placement of the track so I can install them before I get the sail? It’s a lot to ask at once, but it will go a long way to solving my problem and general boat knowledge if you can answer it.

Thank you.
Peter Anoia

Answer: Hi Peter,

The best advice we can provide is that you should choose a sailmaker and then get the actual dimensions and track placement information before drilling holes in your deck. There might be a little give and take on the size of the sail in order to made sure the track goes down somewhere that makes sense after looking at the parts that are already mounted and the bulkhead and furniture locations inside your boat. For example, if there is an overhead light exactly where the sailmaker tells you to drill a hole, you might be able to alter the clew location slightly and avoid a hassle during the track installation.

There are a few different models of the ODay 22. I will assume that you have the standard, masthead rig. In that case the dimensions work out as follows:

Rig height: I dimension (height of the headsail halyard from the deck)= 24'

J dimension: (distance from headstay at deck to the front face of the mast) = 9'

LP dimension: 135% LP works out to 12.15'. Call it 12.0' to keep it simple.

Headsail luff length: about 24.5'

Clew height from deck: 1.5'

Center of a 2' track: 14.5' aft of headstay at deck.

If you want the clew higher for better visibility and reaching trim, change clew height to 2' and center of the track will be 15.3' aft of headstay. For slightly better windward performance, change the clew height to 1' above the deck and the center of the track should be 13.9' aft of the headstay.

Good luck, and remember that any hole you drill in the wrong place can be easily filled!

Regards,
Dan Neri

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