Submitted on March 12, 2002 by Jeff Ariyeh

Question: What size headsail is ideal for a Beneteau Oceanis 500 crewed by a husband and wife? We have an older 135 Genoa and are thinking that maybe we should use a 100% or #3 Jib?

Answer: Hi Jeff, There is really no perfect solution for a single headsail size on a boat designed for overlapping genoas. It is tempting to set the boat up with a smaller jib like a non-overlapping #3 but in conditions under 15 knots of wind the boat will be underpowered and not much fun to sail. You will probably get the most use out of a new headsail that is close to the size of your current 135% genoa. If your inclination is to set up your boat with a smaller, easier to handle sail, consider dropping down to a 130% headsail. Besides being a little smaller, the new sail will be much flatter than your existing sail with a more draft forward shape. Those two factors will allow you to carry the sail in more wind, with less heeling.

If you equip the sail with a rope luff furling pad you can expect to be able to sail with it rolled up as much as 25%. In that position the sail will be about as wide as a 100% jib but shorter on the luff, so smaller overall. A roller reefed sail will never look as good as an unreefed sail, but it will function adequately in higher wind ranges.

Regards,
Dan Neri

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