Rigging Dimensions
The four foretriangle measurements sailmakers need to quote a new suit.
I ?
72.50 ft
J ?
22.50 ft
P ?
65.00 ft
E ?
21.75 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 | 706.9 | 65.7 |
| 100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 | 815.6 | 75.8 |
| 150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail | 1,223.4 | 113.7 |
| Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut | 407.8 | 37.9 |
| Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J | 2,936.3 | 272.8 |
| Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle | 1,522.5 | 141.4 |
Foretriangle Diagram
Drawn to scale from published I, J, P, E measurements — Masthead Sloop · Nelson/Marek design
Performance Ratios
How the Nelson Marek 68 carries its sail relative to its displacement.
SA/D Ratio
29.0
Performance-oriented — carries a lot of sail for its weight.
Mast Height (above DWL)
— ft
Air draft not published — measure yours before any bridge transit.
Ballast Ratio
45%
Race-oriented ballast ratio — stiff and powerful.
Typical Sail Inventory
What Nelson Marek 68 owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.
Mainsail 706.9 ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 1,223.4 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~897 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 407.8 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~2,936 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 Nelson Marek 68 — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.