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Sail Specifications

Alerion Sails

Rigging dimensions, sail areas, and replacement sail reference for the Alerion (Nathanael Herreshoff design).

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Rigging Dimensions

The four foretriangle measurements sailmakers need to quote a new suit.

I ?
32.30 ft
J ?
8.70 ft
P ?
30.90 ft
E ?
18.20 ft

Sail Area Breakdown

Calculated from rigging dimensions. Use these as your starting point when ordering a new suit.

SailArea (ft²)Area (m²)
MainsailP × E ÷ 2 281.2 26.1
100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 140.5 13.1
150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail 210.8 19.6
Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut 70.3 6.5
Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J 505.8 47.0
Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle 421.7 39.2

Foretriangle Diagram

P 30.9′ E 18.2′ I 32.3′ J 8.7′ Main Foretriangle
Drawn to scale from published I, J, P, E measurements — Fractional Sloop · Nathanael Herreshoff design

Performance Ratios

How the Alerion carries its sail relative to its displacement.

SA/D Ratio
20.4
Powerful cruiser/racer — quick in light air, reef early in a blow.
Mast Height (above DWL)
ft
Air draft not published — measure yours before any bridge transit.
Ballast Ratio
63%
Race-oriented ballast ratio — stiff and powerful.

Typical Sail Inventory

What Alerion owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.

Mainsail 281.2 ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 210.8 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~155 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 70.3 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~506 ft²
Popular downwind upgrade — easier than symmetric for shorthanded sailing.
Optional

Replacement Cost Estimator

Get a rough price range for a new mainsail and genoa for the Alerion — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.

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