During a recent discussion with my local North Sails rep we discussed affordable options for a jib. He took one look at the fore triangle and said "I bet A Farr 30 jib would be pretty close. You should look for a used one as a #3".

I looked up the specs and from what I could figure out the Farr 30 J dimension is .61 ft shorter than ours and the hoist is 4.1 ft taller. The jib overlaps slightly on the Farr so after a little re-cutting it would be darn close to a 100% jib for the J/30. Not a OD #3 for sure but probably very useful for PHRF in my area.

The bay that I do most of my racing in rarely sees more than 20 kts so a new #3 is out of the question. But if I can find an old Farr 30 jib for cheap then I might be interested.

It might also make the wife happy when cruising by keeping the boat flat but still giving me some pointing. Anyone here tried or considered it?

I inquired my sailmaker who checked into it and reported that the 4' hoist difference would be too difficult to make it worthwhile. it would be sweet if so.

Fixed

Update on the Farr 30 jib idea.

Apparently there are two Farr 30 jib sizes. The hoist on the first size is 4 ft taller than ours. The second size is a short hoist. One of my North Sails reps snuck onto my boat yesterday to try one of these short hoist Farr30 jibs on for size. Unfortunately my furling sail is on right now so it was an exercise in approximation, but it looks like it is very close to a fit. I will try this sail on for size again in the next few weeks and will keep the board apprised of developments.

Oh and nice reply Scott... and very funny. Most sunny summer days give us 10-12 kts in English Bay.

Good get on the Farr 30 jib. I need a #3 - will be curious to see what you learn!

Thanks!
- Jeff