Rigging Dimensions
The four foretriangle measurements sailmakers need to quote a new suit.
I ?
36.20 ft
J ?
12.30 ft
P ?
29.70 ft
E ?
11.00 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 | 163.4 | 15.2 |
| 100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 | 222.6 | 20.7 |
| 150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail | 333.9 | 31.0 |
| Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut | 111.3 | 10.3 |
| Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J | 801.5 | 74.5 |
| Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle | 386.0 | 35.9 |
Foretriangle Diagram
Drawn to scale from published I, J, P, E measurements — Masthead Sloop · U. Van Essen design
Performance Ratios
How the Contest 31 carries its sail relative to its displacement.
SA/D Ratio
12.9
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
53%
Race-oriented ballast ratio — stiff and powerful.
Typical Sail Inventory
What Contest 31 owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.
Mainsail 163.4 ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 333.9 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~245 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 111.3 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~801 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 Contest 31 — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.