I know the majority of racers here are OD, and go straight from #1 to #3 as the wind increases. But I would like to hear from those who have/use #2's, either in OD or PHRF.
I have been told by a local sailmaker that that with the #1 up in higher ranges, the main has to be twisted off more to depower, and that losing the leech tension makes it harder/impossible to keep headstay tension high so the #1 can be depowered.
Any comments on that arguement for a #2 cut for the headstay sag experienced in higher wind ranges?
For those using a #2:
Do you have a 155% or 162% #1?
What wind ranges do you use the #1, #2 and #3 for?
Do you always have full crew (7 or 8), and what adjustments for wind range do you recommend for 4-5 crew?
I am ordering a new 162% this winter, replacing my old sail that could not be depowered it was so full. My thought is to try the #1 alone next spring, see what improvement it gives, and defer the decision on #2 until then. But if there is still a large enough hold in the wind range that a #2 is needed to fill, I might just pop for both this winter and be set for the whole year.
Thoughts?
