jib size

[philipcosson]

I am being tempted by the 15% off sails at the moment.

Having read the article about Gavin's boat in ratchet (that landed on my doormat this morning), I am wondering what size jib to go for. I currently have a standard 2.2m2 one.

I would love an explanation of Gavin's thinking for each of his experimental design features. Lets strt with the 2.8m Jib - why is that likely to be of benefit?

Philip
N3253

[Lukepiewalker]

The main problem with a larger jib is it would require a smaller main...
Certainly my Cheshire Cat (wot I had before I had the Baggy) had a larger jib than is the fashion in later boats.
It would probably also necessitate moving the mast backwards to rebalance the centre of effort.
Not sure how the sheet leads (which would also need to be shifted a bit) would cope, wot with the spaceframe and that...
Of course that would be assuming your bigger jib had a longer foot (there are many ways to skin a cat, and even more ways to distribute sail area)...
Moving the rig back might (I'm jusht speculatin') make nosediving less likely...

[Tom Stewart (Guest)]

Call me and I can even tell you Gavins sail areas.  01604 592808