B40 jib upgrade

[GaryG]

with an SA/D of barely 16, I am looking at ways to increase light air performance.  Don't think there's much room to improve the furling main, but an upgrade to the 140% jib looks like it could help.  Either upping the size to 145 or 150, going to a higher quality and construction jib, or both.

We have no interest in adding a spinnaker 

Would like to hear from any suggestions

[Bruce Bogdanoff]

My previous boat was a Ben 40 and after moving up from a performance oriented 36 that did well in light air, I too was disappointed in only a 140 genoa with not much shape and very heavy fabric. However, after sailing and cruising for 5 years on the boat,I found this is a good size for the boat because it is so tender. Speed picks up over 6 knts. and at 8 you are moving smartly. At 15, I was thinking of reefing. A larger overlap will help minimally under 6 knts and quickly overpower you. I would suggest a better built step up fabric 140 genoa from a trusted sailmaker. When it is light air, the better design will help and when the wind builds, the heavier fabric will keep you from blowing out the sail in the heavier reef conditions. If you ever decide to do long distance cruising, i.e ICW or heading out for two or more months at a time, then in lighter winds the iron genny will be used with the main for stabilization. Just a thought for consideration. BTW, the new boat is a Ben 45 and it has a working jib to push it. It does need a gennaker to push it in lighter winds in any light condition, except upwind.

[James Taylor]

Bruce

Congrats on upgrading to the B45! Have any photo's?

We sailed to St Pete last winter. St Petersburg is a 1st rate destination in my opinion. We stayed at municipal marina located in heart of downtown. All kinds of activities and entertainment. Fantastic destination! Visited Sarasota, Venice (Crowes Nest has great restaurant), Siesta Key, Charlotte Harbor, Sannibel Island and Marco Island. We also anchored one night in Everglades on Little Shark River and were eaten alive next morning after I opened companionway doors in preparation to leave. BIG Mistake, should have covered myself completely and quickly closed the sealed companionway doors. We covered all openings night before and had no bugs til I opened doors next morning.

Florida Bay is truly beautiful and, contrary to rumors, it is completely passable for boats  of less than 6' keels from the Chanel 5 Bridge ( a little known bridge that allows passage from Hawk chanel to Florida Bay located east of Marathon) to the Gulf via the Yacht Chanel.  No current plans to sail south this year but who knows!

Sails on our B43 are starting to age so we'll be replacing them soon. Thinking of going with Doyle or Ullman.

James

James