Cruising Sailors Forum Archive

All Purpose

I think that you'd be happier with these types (at least in the way the North, for example, classifies such sails).

First, for most of us -- especially short handed, deep running with any sail is trickier and a lot less comfortable. That's aside from the reality that it usually just a lot slower.

Secondly, if you do heat-up the angles (i.e., move the apparent wind form 150+ forward apparent) you'll find that the fuller cut is too full or more likely to become overpowered. The wind will come forward a lot faster than you might expect because your speed will be picking up. IF the wind is strong enough, then you won't notice the difference in performance.

Finally, another variable is the SIZE of the chute. Our all-purpose chute is a 3/4 Oz NOMINAL weight and it's about 2,000 SF. The range of such chutes for our boat would be more than 10% higher lower. With your Tarten, you can slightly downsize the chute and it will be a lot tamer. I think your principal objective, much of the time, is to sail when you would otherwise motor. With a wife and child to concern yourself with, you want to pull-out the (sometimes dreaded) chute and have the experience just involve some extra effort, not fear.

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