Headsail

Definition and function of a headsail

The headsail occupies the foretriangle bounded by the forestay, mast and deck. It operates in undisturbed airflow and contributes 40–60 % of total drive on most sloops. Key measurements are:

I = height of foretriangle (forestay attachment to deck)

J = base of foretriangle (mast to stem fitting)

LP = luff perpendicular (perpendicular distance from luff to clew)

Sail area = (I × J × LP%) / 2

Headsail categories

Jib

LP ≤ 100 %

Non-overlapping; clew clears the mast

Optimal wind range: 15–25 kn

Common on performance boats and short-handed cruisers

Blade jibs (70–90 % LP) excel in heavy air and chop

Genoa

LP 110–155 %

Overlaps the mast; large projected area for light air

Sub-divisions:

– #1 genoa (130–155 %) – 5–12 kn

– #2 genoa (110–130 %) – 12–18 kn

Roller-reefing genoas include foam luff pads for shape retention when partially furled

Staysail

Set on an inner forestay (typically 60–80 % LP)

Lowers centre of effort in 30+ kn conditions

Often self-tending with a club or boom

Standard heavy-weather combination: double-reefed main + staysail

Storm jib

LP < 40 %; high-visibility orange

Constructed from 9–11 oz Dacron or equivalent

Hanked on removable inner stay; never furled

Required equipment for Category 0/1 offshore races (World Sailing OSR 4.26)

Selection criteria

Measure I and J from rig plan or physical tape.

Match LP to local wind statistics:

– Inland lakes → 135–150 % genoa

– Coastal → 95 % blade jib + staysail

– Tradewind routes → 120 % genoa + storm jib

Choose attachment: roller furling (convenience) or hanks (durability).

Cloth: cross-cut Dacron (cruising), tri-radial laminate (racing), recycled sailcloth (Resail).

Maintenance protocol

Rinse with fresh water after each sail.

Flake in zigzag folds to prevent permanent creases.

Store with UV protection strip facing outward when furled.

Inspect monthly: seams, hanks, telltales, chafe points.

End-of-life options

When UV degradation or stretch exceeds 15 %, the sail is no longer efficient. Landfill disposal is unnecessary. Resail collects retired headsails and repurposes the panels into:

Waterproof duffel bags (40–60 L)

Toiletry kits with original sail numbers

Roll-top dry bags rated to 10,000 mm hydrostatic head

Each product retains original reef patches, telltales and insignia, providing traceability to the sail’s racing history.

Procurement and upcycling

Contact Resail at info@resail.org with rig dimensions for a matched second-hand headsail or to schedule collection of your retired sail. Every transaction diverts 8–12 m² of technical fabric from waste streams.