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Sail Specifications

Helms 30 Sails

Rigging dimensions, sail areas, and replacement sail reference for the Helms 30 (John Holmes design).

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Rigging Dimensions

The four foretriangle measurements sailmakers need to quote a new suit.

I ?
40.00 ft
J ?
12.85 ft
P ?
35.00 ft
E ?
10.00 ft

Sail Area Breakdown

Calculated from rigging dimensions. Use these as your starting point when ordering a new suit.

SailArea (ft²)Area (m²)
MainsailP × E ÷ 2 175.0 16.3
100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 257.0 23.9
150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail 385.5 35.8
Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut 128.5 11.9
Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J 925.2 86.0
Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle 432.0 40.1

Foretriangle Diagram

P 35.0′ E 10.0′ I 40.0′ J 12.9′ Main Foretriangle
Drawn to scale from published I, J, P, E measurements — Masthead Sloop · John Holmes design

Performance Ratios

How the Helms 30 carries its sail relative to its displacement.

SA/D Ratio
15.4
Moderate — comfortable coastal cruiser, not overcanvassed.
Mast Height (above DWL)
ft
Air draft not published — measure yours before any bridge transit.
Ballast Ratio
Ballast ratio not published.

Typical Sail Inventory

What Helms 30 owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.

Mainsail 175.0 ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 385.5 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~283 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 128.5 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~925 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 Helms 30 — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.

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