On Thu, 6 May 2004 10:05:01 -0400, "Matt Koch"
wrote:

In a nutshell, the percentages are arrived at as follows. Assume a sail
that "goes to the top of the mast".

Measue the horizontal distance from where the forestay attaches to the bow
to the mast.

A sail that extends exaclty to the mast (i.e. the distance you measured when
it;s sheeted tight is called a 100% or a working jib. A sail that extends
half again, the distance you measured, beyond the mast when sheeted in tight
is called a 150%.

Actually, the percent is of the perpendicular from the luff to the
clew. About the same thing for a decksweeper, but different for most
cruising sails.


Rodney Myrvaagnes J36 Gjo/a


Ask not with whom the buck stops . . .