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I am buying a 2005 26M and need to know from you M owners if you would buy a Genoa or Jib. The local dealers says that since the main gets so much power the jib is preferable since it allows you to point higher. We are installing a furler.

I'm thinking the genny, because with a furler, you could control the size of the headsail. But, that's from other sailing experiences. I'm waiting for my M. Has anyone any information on the new bowsprit spinnaker?

Michael

We got the Geneoa with the roller, blocks and sheets.

Seems to work well. No issues. This is our first boat so I have nothing to compare it with.

Paul

For my M I got the jib. The SF Bay tends to have high winds during the sailing season so this made sense for me.

My personal preference is the Genoa and furling system. Easy to use, lots of control, more power in light winds. You can always make more less, but not less more.

It really depends on your local conditions. Yes, you can always reduce the Genoa by furling. However, if your predominant winds average 15 knots, that Genoa will always need to be partly furled and you'll suffer with poor sail shape and less favorable pointing. As EZ said, the Genoa is a poor choice if sailing mostly in San Francisco.

A related thought - I have both jib and Genoa. Summer on our bay, the Genoa is no fun. Winters though, it works nicely when a sunny day brings mild 10 knot winds. But I find when winds are less than 10, sailing is kind of a bore, so I motor. This means the Genoa is useful only when winds are between 10 and 14 knots - actually not that often. But remember, I'm sailing a 26X.

Consider your average wind speeds. If your dealer is in your sailing area, I'd trust his judgment. Just another opinion.

agree with frank. several years whe i was lake sailing the jib came rarely out of it's bag. since i am on the baltic sea i almost never used the genoa. i have the jib on the furler, and when the winds are very light i use more often the spinnaker than the genoa. best is to have all sails to choose, but if you have to decide you for one foresail now i'd prefer the jib. a jib in light airs makes you slow, a genoa (even a furled one) in heavy winds makes sailing a pain.

Thanks for all your input. I have ordered a Genoa on a furler. I have also found someone who has a jib for sale. On the west coast of Canada in the summer you can get very light winds. Some days you can get 15-25knot winds but I would probably use the main and a partially furled genoa.