By Keith Magnussen

As the annual N2E approaches I run into people asking me the same questions year after year, “What sails will I need to run a perfect race and what are my cloth options?”  This is an evolving world and advancements are made each year in both respective categories so the question is always a valid one, even for the experienced racer.  The past few years have shown us that the N2E is not exclusively a light air race and it is important to have your entire basis covered when competing in any coastal or offshore race.

Upwind

The beginning, and sometimes the finish depending on when you arrive in Ensenada, can be upwind, so let us start here.  Boats that can accommodate a 155% overlapping genoa should take advantage of this.  The large genoa will be versatile in the light air and allow you to crack off and use it for tight reaching.  With the help of an outboard lead your range will be even larger.

For boats with non-overlapping headsails then it is important to have a few jibs to fly in the different conditions.  Traditionally a Code 1 light air jib that is slightly more full and made from a lighter weight cloth would be preferred.

In 2018 Ullman Sails has introduced some new products for the racing enthusiast that demands more durability for his or hers sails.  The new FiberPath Plus sails are perfect for the club racer and for large genoas that need more durability due to the amount of wear and tear incurred in each tack or maneuver. This new product combines the lightweight performance of film sails with the added durability that taffeta has brought to the equation. Laminating a .25 mil film to our 20 g/m2 non-standard taffeta we create a membrane skin that weighs the same as 1 mil polyester film skin component, but has the increased tear strength and film support generally associated with much heavier taffeta skins.

Downwind

Having your downwind arsenal in tact is going to prove crucial for navigating the course fastest and doing well.  As the day progresses and the wind clocks to the West you will faced with some decisions.  Having options will make these decisions easier and in turn be faster.

You will most likely find yourself reaching soon after the start.   A Laminate Code 0 or 1A Spinnaker that allows you to sail in the 70TWA-100TWA will be called for.  The laminate sail will be great for transferring load directly onto the boat since it does not stretch like a nylon spinnaker.

Hopefully the wind increase and continues to clock from here and you can put up your running spinnaker.  This would be either your 2A or 2S depending on your set up.  Trending these days is the 2.5A which offers a little more versatility and not so much of a traditional “runner.”  Our 2.5A on the J-125 “Timeshaver” allows us to put the bow up when needed to and also rotate nicely to take advantage of those moments when we need to sail deep,

If we experience wind such as the last few years then you will know that having a heavy air spinnaker will keep the boat in control and manageable.  Having a 4A, “chicken chute” or something similar (depending on budget) is going to make your heavy air sailing experience much more enjoyable.  As the wind increases you will notice the driver having to “fight” the helm.  This usually results in a loss of boat speed and control.  The size and shape of the sail will be tailored around your boat so it is important to talk to your sail-maker in detail to get this one right.