Rigging Dimensions
The four foretriangle measurements sailmakers need to quote a new suit.
I ?
29.00 ft
J ?
9.00 ft
P ?
24.00 ft
E ?
8.50 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 | 102.0 | 9.5 |
| 100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 | 130.5 | 12.1 |
| 150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail | 195.8 | 18.2 |
| Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut | 65.3 | 6.1 |
| Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J | 469.8 | 43.6 |
| Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle | 232.5 | 21.6 |
Foretriangle Diagram
Drawn to scale from published I, J, P, E measurements — Masthead Sloop · David Sadler design
Performance Ratios
How the Contessa 26 carries its sail relative to its displacement.
SA/D Ratio
12.2
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
43%
Stiff enough to carry a 150% genoa comfortably into moderate breeze.
Typical Sail Inventory
What Contessa 26 owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.
Mainsail 102.0 ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 195.8 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~144 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 65.3 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~470 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 Contessa 26 — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.