Submitted on December 4, 2006 by John Davis

Question: I have a Laser 28 racing on San Franicsco Bay. The boat has a Lapper (106% with a big roach) that I have been using for the last couple of seasons. I was thinking about changing the Lapper for a #3 which would be a little smaller given that many races take place in 15 kts + wind.

I also have wondered is getting 3 sec more for not having a 150 genoa would be worth changing my phrf certificate? What do you think?

Answer: Dear John,

These are great questions. I'm going to do my best to answer them all below.

1. In most cases any sail that sheets just aft and around the shroud base (like your Lapper) pushes the clew too far outboard from the centerline of the boat. Most racing boats want to point as high as possible and with a sail that sheets so far from the centerline of the boat it makes it difficult to point.

2. If your boat is set up properly with jib tracks most sailmakers can make you a really nice non-overlapping 100% jib that fills most of the foretriangle. In most cases, that sail is going to be close in size to your 106% "Lapper" and sheets closer to the centerline of the boat for better pointing. One other thing I really like about non-overlapping headsails is that they are easier to tack for you and your crew.

3. Northern California PHRF gives you a 3 second a mile credit for any sail smaller than 125%. As we both know, sailing in San Francisco tends to be a windy experience. With that said, the 150% Genoa is a rare sail in the summer months and saving 3 seconds a mile with a 125% or smaller genoa is usually the way to go.

I hope I answered your questions. If not, please feel free in contacting me.

Best Regards,

Pete McCormick
North Sails
415-339-3000 ext 202

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