Question: How much sail area do you think an offshore boat should have for a given weight?
Answer: Morgan’s Cloud has a comparatively high sail area displacement ratio for her type, of 16.5. This combined with good sails (spectra/mylar radial cut) and her very easily driven hull shape means that we can sail in quite light airs without resorting to substantially overlapping sails. I think that cruising boats should have as tall a mast as possible, within reason, without compromising stability. High aspect ratio foresails are easier to handle and roller reef better. At sea, good sail area makes for faster passages, and, as you know, the shorter the time you are at sea, the less chance of severe weather.
