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I
| In order to make
the right thing, you just have to take care to few rules for having a
perfect measurement of your sail size.
Sail Measurement
Assistance
 | Boat: Every boat has maximum sail dimensions that
cannot be exceeded. They are defined as I, J, P and E, (also Py and Ey
for Ketchs and Yawls). Unless you have existing sails to use as a
reference, it is always best to physically measure the boat and not
rely totally on manufacturers specifications. Occasionally rig sizes
will vary even between the same make and size boat. Measurements can
also be altered as a result of re-rigging. |
| Main Sails: Attach a tape measure to the main halyard and hoist to
the maximum or to the black band around the mast if available. Measure
to the main tack fitting for the P measurement. The E measurement is
the length of the boom measured from the tack fitting to the clew
connection or the black band around the boom if available.
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| Headsails (Spinnakers require I and J measurements): Attach a tape
measure to the jib halyard (or top swivel of the furler) and hoist to
the maximum. Measure to the deck sheer line for the I measurement.
Also measure to the tack attachment point on the bow (or top of furler)
for the maximum hoist measurement. Measure from the intersection of
the deck and headstay to the front side of the mast for the J
measurement. |
Tip: tie a line to the halyard along with the tape measure in the
event the tape should break you can easily retrieve the halyard.
| Sails: Sails are defined by another set of terms. The luff is the
leading edge of the sail. The leech is the trailing edge. The foot is
the bottom edge. Jibs and Genoas have a Luff Perpendicular (LP) that
is the perpendicular distance from the luff to the clew. The LP
defines the sail size in terms of percentage increase beyond the J
measurement as in the following examples. Headsails are designated as
Number 1, 2, and 3. |
| Number |
Sail Size |
LP |
| |
100% |
J |
| 3 |
115% |
J + 15% |
| 2 |
135% |
J + 35% |
| 1 |
155% |
J + 55% |
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