Rigging Dimensions
The four foretriangle measurements sailmakers need to quote a new suit.
I ?
56.76 ft
J ?
17.42 ft
P ?
49.49 ft
E ?
18.45 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 | 456.5 | 42.4 |
| 100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 | 494.4 | 45.9 |
| 150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail | 741.6 | 68.9 |
| Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut | 247.2 | 23.0 |
| Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J | 1,779.8 | 165.3 |
| Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle | 950.9 | 88.3 |
Foretriangle Diagram
Drawn to scale from published I, J, P, E measurements — Masthead Sloop · Rob Humphreys design
Performance Ratios
How the Elan 45 carries its sail relative to its displacement.
SA/D Ratio
18.6
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
34%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability underway.
Typical Sail Inventory
What Elan 45 owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.
Mainsail 456.5 ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 741.6 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~544 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 247.2 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~1,780 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 Elan 45 — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.