155 or 135 Genoa for CP27?

[TopsailB]

I?ve added a 1989 CP27 to the fleet. The main is new, the 135 Genoa is original, and needs to be replaced. The CP16 and CP23D both have 155s. Those two hull designs are nearly the same, with similar sailing characteristics. Since I haven?t sailed much on the CP27 I?m interested in any advice regarding the replacement headsail. Thanks-

[BobK]

I use a 135 on my 27.  That said I prefer to sail when the waves are primarily whitecaps - 15 to 25 mph winds.  The 150 would overpower the boat in these conditions.  It would depend on where you sail and the predominate wind speed for your area and what you are comfortable with. 
BobK

[wes]

Given where you sail, I would suggest the 135 as the largest sail you should consider. I also sail my 27  in coastal NC and my 135 is perfect on moderate days and too large on windy days, when I often have to reef it. I'm seriously thinking about ordering a 110. In no way would I recommend a 155. I have one on my CP 19 and it's nice for lake sailing but would be hopelessly overpowered at the coast.

The 19 and 27 share a common designer and hull shape. They both like to be sailed upright - heeling is not helpful.

Wes

[TopsailB]

Thanks for sharing, gentlemen. I?m looking forward to getting to know the 27. Both the 16 and 23 are best with the rail down a bit. The initial stability is different for the two hull designs it seems.

Frequently I sail with only the Genoa. In higher winds furling to about 135 or a little less is usually comfortable. How does the 27 sail under just the 135? Is the main needed to balance the rig?

[wes]

I can only speak to downwind sailing, where the 27 is very happy under Genoa alone. In fact I think downwind is generally a good point of sail for the 27. For an extended downwind leg I will pole out the 135 and sail wing and wing.

As a rule I don't sail with Genoa alone in other conditions - I have the main up most of the time.

When the wind gets to 15 kn or so, I usually have a single reef in the main and furl the 135 down to around 110. This happens a lot, thus my interest in acquiring a 110.

Webb

[BobK]

I sail on Mobile Bay where we seem to have a little or a lot of wind.  I literally just came in from a jib only sail in 12 - 15 mph wind either tacking or reaching averaging 6.1 mph boat speed.  I often sail jib only (lazy sailing) since I single hand always.
BobK

[rwsandersii]

I have a 150% on my 27 on the roller furling and I wish I had a 135%.  The 150 is a bit much for the furler, I think it limits visibility too much, and I think it cuts down on performance when the wind kicks up. 
For lighter winds, I'm hoping to get a assymetrical. 

Hope this helps!

Richard
Compac 27/3 Of Beren and Luthien
Former caregiver for Compac 23/3 Thunderchild