Genoa (sail)

As Genoa is called on sailboats and sailing yachts an enlarged set instead of the normal headsail jib. The Genoa overlaps in contrast to the jib boom, that is the clew is located behind the mast. In many types sailboat sail area of Genoa is greater than that of the mainsail. The Genoa is driven in light to moderate winds. The advantage of the larger sail area relative to the jib but also brings a disadvantage: sailing maneuvers under Genoa can be cumbersome because the clew can get caught on the mast or its fittings, especially if a baby or cutterstay is still available.

Just like a normal jib and the genoa can be reduced by means of a furler in their sail area or fully recovered. However, this so-called Rollreffen has the disadvantage that the sail is lost when reefing. This can be counteracted by the sewing in profile foam in the luff within certain limits. (so-called Schaumvorliek )

The genoa is usually driven in three sizes, it varies the sail and the overlap. The overlap is the length of the foot in proportion to the distance between the mast and anchor point for the forestay ( J measure ).

Genoa I for light winds 1-2 Bft, 150 % Genoa II for stronger winds 3-4 Bft, 135 % genoa III for winds 4-5 Bft, about 105%

It will become flatter with increasing wind profiles. Ideal for cruising sailors is thus a Genoa II on the furler to cover as much area can wind. The forestay length is always fully utilized today due to the aerodynamic advantages. Especially when Genoa III leads to high aspect ratios (high aspect ), but through the use of modern sailcloth is not a problem.

The name of the sail comes from a 1927 staged in Genoa regatta of the 6 -meter racing yachts, where it was first set by Sven Salen, a Swedish sailor. Previously, Genoa was called to distinguish it from bulbous cut space balloon as cross balloon.