Jeanneau 43DS Headsail

[mphem]

I have a 2003 Jeanneau 43DS with what I believe is an 150 genoa on the rolling furling. We are in the process of moving the boat to the Texas coast and plan to do some full time cruising, possibly to the Bahamas, after we retire in the near future.

We have owned the boat about a year and half and so far have only sailed it on a large inland lake in Texas. The first time we unfurled the genoa my first mate (wife) freaked out. She was used to us sailing our Hunter 31 with an 110 and on light wind days an 135. The size of the 150 totally unnerved her, so we partially rolled it in and have never really sailed it, except on no-wind Texas summer days, completely unfurled.

With the beginning of our new sailing life, I am questioning if I should do something about the size of the sail. From what I have read, I believe the Jeanneau 43DS was primarily design for the Med, where apparently they have no wind or a lot of wind. Although my boat doesn't have a solent rig, I have seen other Jeanneau 43's with that configuration, with the rig being able to be released and pulled to the mast. I don't particularly like that option. I have an ATN Gale sail that can be used for that same purpose, if I ever got into really heavy weather.

I recently had a long discussion with a sailmaker, who suggested that I get a new 110 and keep the 150 for light air days. Since we are planning to live aboard, I hate to take up space with another sail and would prefer one sail on the roller furling. He is also looking at the possiblity of cutting down the 150 or making me a new 125 or 130.

The issue was raised by sailing friends that the headsail is the power sail on the Jeanneau 43 and that having less than an 150 would someway affect the performance of the boat, but I find it hard to believe that as well thought out as Jeanneau are, everyone is sailing around with a 150 headsail. We have a shoal draft, which could make a difference. It is one big sail and I surely don't want to sail 90% of the time with it partially furled, which I know I will do unless I ditch the first mate and I'm too old for another divorce.

Does anyone have any suggestions or advice?

Mike
S/V Sola Stella
  

[rxc]

The original jib on my 43DS, which I used until this year, was measured to be a 140. I used it on the east coast of the US, in the Bahamas, across the Atlantic (very often heavily reefed), and in Northern Europe, as far as 57N. It held up well, and my new sail (from Mack Sails) is also a 140, which I will continue to use on the east coast and the Bahamas.

I think a 150 might be more than you really need for this boat, but it depends on where you sail. In the Chesapeake where we used to sail, a 150 was standard practice. Down here in FLorida, 135s are probably more appropriate. If I were to go back to Europe, I might be tempted to try a 110, with an asymmetrical spinnaker for light air/downwind. I haven't sailed the new sail enough to get a good feel for it, but it does set well, and does provide good power to windward.

[rene460]

Hi Mike,

My suggestion is to follow the sail maker's advice as the 110% will make the boat very manageable.  When you are both much more comfortable and the size starts to feel normal, you might well be very pleased to break out the 150% for delightful light wind sailing, and not nearly so intimidating as an assymetric.

I agree that you do not want a boat full of sails when cruising, but the 150% will make a big difference in under 10 knots if that turns out to be normal in your new sailing area.  It is also easier to manage and more flexible for reaching than an asymmetric.

My other suggestion is that you reef early.  I recently read a review of a similar size boat where setting out with experienced owners and reviewers, they put in a reef as the forecast was to exceed 15 knots and they had an excellent sailing experience.  And for the rest of us, the first rule is do not frighten the crew!  Set sail for the expected gusts, and relax through the lulls.

Are you from Clear Lake?  I sailed there once for a very pleasant day of short races.  The extensive shallow waters made me feel at home.

rene460

[electricmonk]

I would keep the original sail plan. We hold full main and full Genoa till 20 knots the boat will take more its very stable. You will find down wind performance compromised with a small headsail. You will get used to the size of the sail - and will want it to be a bit larger sometimes. With engines there's no substitute for cubic inches, with sails there's no substitute for square feet.

[sailingsouth]

Hi Mike

I have your same boat but 2005. I'm not 100% sure if my jib is a 140 or 150 but we always unfurle it to about 20 kts. If going down wnd we'll keep it out at 25kts and just fly:-). Yes, we have rounded up in spectacular fashion if not paying attention! Haha. Now the main is a different story. I think my main isn't original as it seems too short on the boom and too short on the luff. I have about 3 feet to the end of the boom and about 6 feet left to the top of the mast. So with my sail configuration I think my jib works well. My advise to you would be get the boat on the coast out in the sea and practice. Have fun with her.

We love our boat btw! Live on her full time in Florida
Scott