Rigging Dimensions
The four foretriangle measurements sailmakers need to quote a new suit.
I ?
47.00 ft
J ?
15.33 ft
P ?
41.00 ft
E ?
18.25 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 | 374.1 | 34.8 |
| 100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 | 360.3 | 33.5 |
| 150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail | 540.4 | 50.2 |
| Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut | 180.1 | 16.7 |
| Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J | 1,296.9 | 120.5 |
| Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle | 734.4 | 68.2 |
Foretriangle Diagram
Drawn to scale from published I, J, P, E measurements — Masthead Sloop · Howard Stern design
Performance Ratios
How the Challenger 38 carries its sail relative to its displacement.
SA/D Ratio
13.1
Heavy and modestly canvassed — a comfortable cruiser, not fast.
Mast Height (above DWL)
— ft
Air draft not published — measure yours before any bridge transit.
Ballast Ratio
33%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability underway.
Typical Sail Inventory
What Challenger 38 owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.
Mainsail 374.1 ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 540.4 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~396 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 180.1 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~1,297 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 Challenger 38 — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.