Rigging Dimensions
The four foretriangle measurements sailmakers need to quote a new suit.
I ?
21.33 ft
J ?
7.87 ft
P ?
23.29 ft
E ?
8.53 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 | 99.3 | 9.2 |
| 100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 | 83.9 | 7.8 |
| 150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail | 125.9 | 11.7 |
| Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut | 42.0 | 3.9 |
| Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J | 302.2 | 28.1 |
| Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle | 183.3 | 17.0 |
Foretriangle Diagram
Drawn to scale from published I, J, P, E measurements — Fractional Sloop · Jacques Fauroux design
Performance Ratios
How the Neptune 550 carries its sail relative to its displacement.
SA/D Ratio
26.1
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
28%
Light ballast — tends to be tender; reef earlier.
Typical Sail Inventory
What Neptune 550 owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.
Mainsail 99.3 ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 125.9 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~92 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 42.0 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~302 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 Neptune 550 — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.