100% vs 135%

[Jeff]

I have an opportunity to purchase a Number 3 or 100% Jib at a great price. Currently I have a 135 Genoa which is about 10 years old. In the Northwest during winter we frequently sail in 25plus knots of wind and I find the older Genoa's draft being too far aft causes undue heeling. Would a 100% Jib be a good addition to the inventory or a waste of money?PS - this boat has a big mainsail (new)

[Larry Watkins]

Jeff; Is your present genny a hank-on or roller furling? If roller furled, would you have to drop it to attach the smaller jib; why not just roll up the genoa? If the genny and small jib are both hanked on, it might be a good deal. Much depends on how you plan to use it. BTW, in 25 kts of wind, I reef my main first and leave my genny, a 150%, full on my Beneteau 40.

[Michael]

Jeff;Yes! Most likley. You say the main is BIG? What type of rig is it? You might like sailing with a reef in the main, and the smaller jib. Also please tell me again what BTW represents. Thank you.Michael

[David Foster]

100 and a main is the right way to sail in heay air. If you are a cruiser, then you don't need to change sails frequently.Then, when you are ready, get a cruising spinnaker to replace the 135. You can roll up the 100, and pop the cruising spinnaker in light air, and get a lot more drive off the wind than with a 135.DavidLady Lillie

[George B.]

If your local wind conditions are a reliable 25-30kts for extended periods, I'd go with a 90-95% jib. There's no point in beating up a shorthanded or inexperienced crew on a regular basis if you don't have to. Three of my friends keep their blades on all summer (our windy season) and change to genny's on race days. They say they get much better performance than when they used to roller reef. Besides, sailing a reefed up genny on a regular basis isn't very good for the sail and there's always the potential of jamming the furling gear. I plan on buying a blade myself this winter.