Rigging Dimensions
The four foretriangle measurements sailmakers need to quote a new suit.
I ?
76.18 ft
J ?
22.08 ft
P ?
72.83 ft
E ?
22.97 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 | 836.5 | 77.7 |
| 100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 | 841.0 | 78.1 |
| 150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail | 1,261.5 | 117.2 |
| Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut | 420.5 | 39.1 |
| Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J | 3,027.7 | 281.3 |
| Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle | 1,677.5 | 155.8 |
Foretriangle Diagram
Drawn to scale from published I, J, P, E measurements — Fractional Sloop · German Frers design
Performance Ratios
How the Swan 55 carries its sail relative to its displacement.
SA/D Ratio
—
Sail Area / Displacement ratio not published.
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 Swan 55 owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.
Mainsail 836.5 ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 1,261.5 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~925 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 420.5 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~3,028 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 Swan 55 — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.