Rigging Dimensions
The four foretriangle measurements sailmakers need to quote a new suit.
I ?
25.10 ft
J ?
8.25 ft
P ?
23.10 ft
E ?
7.75 ft
Sail Area Breakdown
Calculated from rigging dimensions. Use these as your starting point when ordering a new suit.
| Sail | Area (ft²) | Area (m²) |
|---|---|---|
| MainsailP × E ÷ 2 | 89.5 | 8.3 |
| 100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 | 103.5 | 9.6 |
| 150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail | 155.3 | 14.4 |
| Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut | 51.8 | 4.8 |
| Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J | 372.7 | 34.6 |
| Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle | 193.1 | 17.9 |
Foretriangle Diagram
Drawn to scale from published I, J, P, E measurements — Masthead Sloop · Ron Bertholf design
Performance Ratios
How the American 21 carries its sail relative to its displacement.
SA/D Ratio
19.8
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
25%
Light ballast — tends to be tender; reef earlier.
Typical Sail Inventory
What American 21 owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.
Mainsail 89.5 ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 155.3 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~114 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 51.8 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~373 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 American 21 — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.