Posted by GregSeaHawk on
URL: https://forum.seahawk17.org.uk/Genoa-Sizes-for-a-Fractional-Rig-tp4024499p4024595.html

Hi Gordon,

I say a little of my experience earlier in this topic. I'm sure that on open waters and especially when what wind there is on the beam a genoa could be useful for extra power.

However, experience as a Broads Sailor, especially, on the northern rivers, has taught me that you just need to accept the nature of a SeaHawk.

If you want good performance on narrow tree-lined rivers a genoa is not the answer. It takes too long to set efficiently after tacking and, as the sheets must pass outside your shrouds, you lose the ability to point closely into what wind there is.

Not only that, in light winds, the back draft and eddies you get as the wind hits the trees on the opposite bank and then comes back at you in the opposite direction tends to make a large genoa flap about uselessly.

For light winds amongst trees on narrow rivers you need a top-sailed gaff-rigged craft with a mast at least as tall as the trees - and that doesn't describe a SeaHawk!