[Rhodes22-list] A question of size and shape (sails ye salty dogs sails)

[John Shulick]

 Hello to the forum,

  After extensive negotiations (groveling, begging, etc...) with the Admiral
I have been authorized (allowed) to replace my blown out 35+yrs old 175
genoa and GB furler with new equipment. Over the last 2 yrs. sailing at
Kinzua has shown me the 175 is really not suited for the conditions I have,
namely wind gusts that can double in velocity usually accompanied by 90* or
more shifts in direction. I never fully unfurl the genoa unless the wind is
so light that the sail can't or won't (not sure which) fill properly. My
research into the archives show the older rhodes came with 150 genoas and my
71 certainly falls in that group. My question to the forum is at what
approximate wind speed would you begin reefing in a 150 genoa and would a
135 or less be even better for the conditions I'm facing. Also I'm looking
for a furler and would appreciate any info on which ones offer more sail
tuning options. A final item of thought, has anyone out there in rhodes land
experimented with mast rake and/or mast bending by use of baby stay tension
to alter mainsail shape and performance.

All comments are appreciated
Thanks in advance
John Shulick

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