I have a 1985 Ericson 353 and looking to have a new set of sails made.
I currently have two headsails - a 150% and I believe a 130%. The 150% is the main headsail I use but the sailmaker suggested a 135%. Someone I sail with regularly said the 150% might be a touch too big because the cars couldn't come back far enough to get a good angle when close hauled, but he admitted the sail could have just stretched to like a 155%, creating the less than optimal sheeting angle.
Any way... What is the best headsail percentage for beer can racing and general cruising in the Chesapeake area, which is shallow so pointing a couple degrees can be the difference in tacking or just missing the shallows.
Thanks,
Nick
I currently have two headsails - a 150% and I believe a 130%. The 150% is the main headsail I use but the sailmaker suggested a 135%. Someone I sail with regularly said the 150% might be a touch too big because the cars couldn't come back far enough to get a good angle when close hauled, but he admitted the sail could have just stretched to like a 155%, creating the less than optimal sheeting angle.
Any way... What is the best headsail percentage for beer can racing and general cruising in the Chesapeake area, which is shallow so pointing a couple degrees can be the difference in tacking or just missing the shallows.
Thanks,
Nick