This comprehensive article delves into the world of sail selection for cruisers, shedding light on the often overlooked domain of downwind sails. It begins by acknowledging the historical emphasis on racing sails within the sail-making industry, highlighting the specific needs of cruisers that require attention.
The article explores various types of downwind sails, such as code zeros, genoas, and spinnakers, offering insights into their characteristics and applications. It simplifies complex sail terminology, making it accessible to both newcomers and experienced sailors. The explanation of percentage-based sizing (LP) versus J measurement provides a clear understanding of sail dimensions.
Cruisers are guided on building a sail inventory tailored to their needs, considering factors like space, budget, and intended sailing destinations. The advantages of sail customization and collaboration with sail designers are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of sails optimized for individual preferences and conditions.
The article concludes by detailing different downwind sail options, including code zeros, genoas, cruising spinnakers, reachers, gennakers, and symmetrical spinnakers. Each sail type’s characteristics, handling, and suitability for various wind conditions are thoroughly explained, helping cruisers make informed choices.
Throughout the article, the reader is encouraged to engage with Precision Sails, a sailmaker with expertise in cruiser-specific sail solutions. The article effectively demystifies sail selection, making it a valuable resource for cruisers seeking an enhanced sailing experience.
Read More about Types of Downwind Sails: Understanding Code Zeros, Spinnakers, Genoas, and More
Zephyr heads to the Precision Sails office to start the sail customization process. They meet with Ron Mcinnis, who introduces them to the world of sail cloth and industry trends. He explains how Precision Sails takes an educational and consultative approach to sail customization, making sure that their customers are well-informed and educated about the options available to them.
Read More about Customizing Sails with Precision Sails
Join in as Matt from the Foster Journey sits down with Ron McInnis from Precision Sails to discuss their new Asymmetrical Spinnaker and light air sailing!
Read More about Sailing With a Spinnaker – Asymmetrical Basics (Gennakers and Light Air Sails)
Join in as Steve and Judy from the Sailing Fair Isle walk you through their experience of ordering new sails from Precision Sails and our process!
Read More about Choosing the Best Cruising Sail – Technical Corner
Setting up your rigging to suit your boat is paramount in achieving peak performance from your sails. On Ask Precision Sails we had a question from customer Jim who wants to know: “Should I add a topping lift to my boat? And if so how do I rig it up?” First of […]
Read More about Should You Add a Topping Lift to Your Boat
Choosing the right headsail LP (Luff-Perpendicular) depends on several things. When, where, and why you are sailing, as well as your rig set-up and limitations. The most versatile LP% is 135%. Your sailing destination and conditions and rig type help decide what size of headsail LP to choose. The type of sailing, racing, or cruising sailing, also factors in when choosing a headsail LP percentage. Give Precision Sails a call and we can help you out!
Read More about Factors when Choosing a Headsail LP %
Are laminate sails worth upgrading to from regular Dacron sails? Yes, in some cases, in others, no. The main difference between a Dacron and a laminate sail is in the shape of your sails when you tack and how this impacts on the performance of the maneuver. The price point also has to feel right for you. If there is a large difference in price between Dacron and laminate sails, then a set of high-quality Dacron sails are still going to satisfy your needs for the long term. It all depends on what you are trying to get out of your boat and which sails you will need to accomplish those goals.
Read More about Laminate Sails? Worth the upgrade?
Ever wonder what sail performance means? It’s several different components of the overall feel of a boat. Responsiveness, comfort, wind angles, and speeds are all calculated differently by a well performing sail. Sail performance is something that everyone should be concerned with. Sail performance doesn’t just affect when you get to your destination, but how you get there.
Read More about What is Sail Performance?
Ever wondered how to measure for a new main while your mast and rigging is down or taken apart? Clients tell us all the time that they can’t get their measurements to us because their sailboat’s rigs are taken apart. This blog has the information on how to get the measurements for your mast sliders, backstay position, tack connections, clew slug, Max foot, halyard shackle, and your max hoist. The process is made easier with a buddy so try to have one around and call us anytime, we’re here to help.
Read More about Measuring for New Sails: Mainsail With the Mast Down
Learn how Precision Sails defines their Rig Spec measurements and Dimensions. This blog will help you to understand how Precision Sails labels sailboat rig specifications. If you need a replacement or new mainsail and /or headsail you will need to measure your sailboat’s rigging, sails, and rigs. One thing we tell sailors here at Precision Sails is “the effort you put into measuring really does translate into the quality of sail you get.” If quality measurements are given to designers, it allows them to create an excellent performing sail.
Read More about Rig Specification Diagram For Sailboats: Mainsail & Headsail
What is the best batten configuration on a mainsail for performance cruising? First of all, it is important to consider the size of your vessel and the roach that you have in your mainsail, this will ultimately determine which batten configuration will work best for you. Typically, performance cruising and club racing vessels will use a mixture of both full and partial battens. Darryl, the owner of Precision Sails, says two full and two partial battens is the recipe for success. Sometimes having a bit of both really is the best thing.
Read More about Batten Configuration For Performance Cruising
