I just bought 74 E 29 this winter, I have a long list of projects that only seems to get longer. I've been a long time lurker, but I have a feeling I am about to become a serial poster, as I have an extensive re-fit planned on an expedited timeline to achieve some pretty lofty goals. The first major purchase is to up-date the sail locker. I have already landed on Mack sails as the loft after lots of on-line research & going to the boat show for some hand on & face to face.
Plans - Coastal/Caribbean extended cruising, with the very real potential to attempt an Atlantic crossing. I want a sail plan that will accommodate a crossing, I plan to purchase the sails in phases.
Looking for advice from people who have experience sailing a E29, to make sure that I am putting the right canvas in the locker for this particular boat.
Immediately, I need a main in order to sail this summer. My only question here is that a lot of the folks I have talked to have said "get a deep 3rd reef, and don't let the maker talk you out of it" which in theory I agree with, but when the sail maker says "not necessary" to extra money, it gives me pause. I understand this is not a "large sail" that would typically be associated with a 3rd reef point, but with most of my sailing being single handed, I like the idea of not needing to hank on a try-sail in inevitable heavy winds experienced while cruising. Any one done this? wish they'd done it? wish they hadn't?
At the same time I am leaning towards a 130 for my furling head sail, and then later down the line adding an asym and probably a 100. If you could only have 2 head sails+storm jib, what would they be? Would you be comfortable in most situations with a 130 that you could reef down 20% + storm + asym?
Thanks in advance for any input. From what I have read this is an extremely helpful and knowledgeable owners group, looking forward to learning from you all.
Plans - Coastal/Caribbean extended cruising, with the very real potential to attempt an Atlantic crossing. I want a sail plan that will accommodate a crossing, I plan to purchase the sails in phases.
Looking for advice from people who have experience sailing a E29, to make sure that I am putting the right canvas in the locker for this particular boat.
Immediately, I need a main in order to sail this summer. My only question here is that a lot of the folks I have talked to have said "get a deep 3rd reef, and don't let the maker talk you out of it" which in theory I agree with, but when the sail maker says "not necessary" to extra money, it gives me pause. I understand this is not a "large sail" that would typically be associated with a 3rd reef point, but with most of my sailing being single handed, I like the idea of not needing to hank on a try-sail in inevitable heavy winds experienced while cruising. Any one done this? wish they'd done it? wish they hadn't?
At the same time I am leaning towards a 130 for my furling head sail, and then later down the line adding an asym and probably a 100. If you could only have 2 head sails+storm jib, what would they be? Would you be comfortable in most situations with a 130 that you could reef down 20% + storm + asym?
Thanks in advance for any input. From what I have read this is an extremely helpful and knowledgeable owners group, looking forward to learning from you all.