[C38] Optimal conditions for a Cat 38?

[Steven Ribble]

I apologize if this is a duplicate, from Chuck's email I think I sent this
while the web site was in ether-space.

This is one for the sage elders of the group!  As I'm about to finish my
first [serious] campaign season (2 races left) I'm confirming what I knew
when I bought the boat 4 years ago...I've got to get a new genny!  The
current one's a 155% rag and I am thinking about going to a 135 thinking it
will be easier to tack (of my 17 races, 10 were single handed (with 4 3rd's)
and several times in light air the clew would hang up on the standing
rigging...which obviously isn't fast!) and easier keep the wind flow
attached due to the higher aspect ratio.

So two questions came up, one leading to the other: what was the recommended
headsail for the boat when new/designed...and, what conditions (wind speed,
point of sail, etc) was the boat designed for?

As a follow up, the average wind speed in the Gulf of Maine is 12 knots,
does anyone have a headsail suggestion for sailing fast? (assuming that
while I could put a reef point in the genoa, it's on a furler and going to
be the only headsail)

Steve Ribble
Tittravate #64
207/852-0971
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