Which is most versatile light air sail for a cruising cutter?

[Mg451]

I've got a downeaster 32 cutter rigged coastal cruising boat looking to do more offshore work. It's a heavy boat cutter rigged with a Yankee jib and staysail all heavy cloth. Boat handles great in 15 knots or better. I know nothing about spninakers genneakers code zero etc..I'm beginning my research though. Is there a go to light air sail for a cruising sailor? I'm considering a big 135 Genoa for light air. Should I discount any particular sail..just beginning my Google searches figured I'd start here though.

[barnakiel]

I would opt for the following sails :


A) For upwind work - a large LIGHT and tall jib.

B) For upwind reaching to medium broad reaching - a big, but not huge, LIGHT genoa sail. Lightweight dacron or heavy nylon. Nylon is nice as it is quieter, dacron lasts longer though, weight for weight.



C) For downwind days - twin light tall running jibs in heavy nylon or light dacron, with long long outriggers. To be flown from the jib deck point to the mast top and poled heavily out.


If you are reluctant to fly extra sails off hand, I would opt for replacing the outer (the one more forward) jib with one in light dacron, on a furler. Call it a light genoa sail. It is like a Gerber multitool - good enough for most general jobs. And inexpensive, and easy to carry around.


b.