Genoa Sizes for a Fractional Rig

I found a 45 year old Jeckell Genoa appx sized at 110 or 120%. Because of the fractional rig not turbo-charging the mainsail as in a traditional rig I found the the smaller Genoa to be a perfect sail to power up my SeaHawk. Anything bigger than a 120% I feel would be to much - but I could well be wrong. Would love to have a 150% to test out! Anyway here in Florida on a very wide (2-6 nm) river just off the ocean running north/south I find myself running up the Genoa in anything under 20 knot winds. One thing with the fractional rig - I find myself having to tend to the jib more often than a traditional rig. Often I delegate some to be my jib handler/setter. Hope this helps!
Tom Altee


Sent from my Windows Phone

I agree with Greg's experience.  
We sometimes set an original Jeckylls genoa on Mustang but only on the open sea in light winds.  It's great with the wind aft or on a reach, but not so good close-hauled.  It's pretty useless on the Camel estuary in the confines of the river for exactly the reasons Greg describes; it doesn't tack well, collapses easily in back winds from the margins and mostly flaps about messing with the air flow over the mainsail.  

Hi Tom,

Tom Altee wrote

Anyway here in Florida on a very wide (2-6 nm) river just off the ocean

And there lies the difference. The rivers of the northern Broads are rarely wider than 120ft and the tree lined stretches can be down to 60ft. That kind of sailing really does sort out those who can handle their boats!

Originally, this post had more but then I realised it should be elsewhere.

The 110 Genoa seems to power the boat through the tack better because I generates more speed. That said the positioning of the stays for the larger Genoa is...inconvenient. Again, I find it useful to have a designated hand to deal with the fractional jib/genoa. Anything bigger than a 110 or 120 would be a pain the rear due to the positioning of the stays. Im guessing that the weather in North Florida is more benign that anywhere in the UK. Over the next few days I will post up video via YouTube of tacking and jibing with my new jib and the 45 year old Jeckell Genoa and the forum can call it as they see it. Stay tuned.

Sent from my Windows Phone

Hi Greg,

Thank you and all the others responders answering my question. I will take
your advice and love my Seahawk as she is. Glad to get all the experience
of others on the forum and save time, energy and money going down that
route.

Gordon