Rigging Dimensions
The four foretriangle measurements sailmakers need to quote a new suit.
I ?
40.40 ft
J ?
13.40 ft
P ?
34.80 ft
E ?
10.80 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 | 187.9 | 17.5 |
| 100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 | 270.7 | 25.1 |
| 150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail | 406.0 | 37.7 |
| Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut | 135.3 | 12.6 |
| Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J | 974.4 | 90.5 |
| Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle | 458.6 | 42.6 |
Foretriangle Diagram
Drawn to scale from published I, J, P, E measurements — Masthead Sloop · William Shaw design
Performance Ratios
How the Pearson 303 carries its sail relative to its displacement.
SA/D Ratio
15.8
Moderate — comfortable coastal cruiser, not overcanvassed.
Mast Height (above DWL)
44.3 ft
Clears the 65 ft ICW fixed-bridge standard with room to spare.
Ballast Ratio
35%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability underway.
Typical Sail Inventory
What Pearson 303 owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.
Mainsail 187.9 ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 406.0 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~298 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 135.3 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~974 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 Pearson 303 — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.