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QUESTION #1 of 3
Can someone tell me the difference between a 130 genoa and a 130 drifter? I know how the genoa works but after looking at "sails and rigging" still can't get the gist of a drifter.
REPLY #1
Hey! I think you will find that a drifter is used in very light wind (5 knots and less) and is constructed of very light weight nylon (3/4 oz). A 130% genoa is used for stronger winds, will be made of Dacron and is a lot stronger. You will need both!
s/v Rapport
REPLY #2
A drifter is similar in shape to a genoa but cut fuller and built from 3/4 oz. or 1.5 oz. nylon. The drifter will hold its airfoil shape in light winds, whereas a genoa, in general, will not. The Flicka needs more sail area in winds of 10 knots or less, hence Captain Harding's recommendation is well founded. Lin and Larry Pardey have an excellent chapter on light air sailing in their new book, "Cost Conscious Cruiser," ISBN0-9646036-5-9 . The opening photo at the Flicka Website shows Becky Ann flying her beautiful drifter. The drifter should be sheeted as far back as possible on the boat and may be flown free or hanked on to the jib stay. - The WebCaptain.
QUESTION #2 of 3
I'm considering purchasing a Flicka for sailing on the Chesapeake Bay. My primary use will be day sailing with my wife and sometimes another couple; one friend has a child. The Chesapeake Bay in the summer has mainly light winds. Five knots is not unusual. Will a Flicka move in this air? Will four adults and a child fit for a day sail? Thanks for your comments - Walt.
REPLY #1
When sailing in wind speeds of less than 10 knots the Flicka requires a drifter as do most boat. This subject is discussed at the Flicka web site under "Sails & Rigging." As to the four adults and one child, the Flicka is OK for a day sail but it really depends on how much your guests want to go sailing. In short, it is a little tight. Kids love the Flicka, it is their size -
Rod Bruckdorfer
REPLY #2
In light winds I find that the only way to get Lady Dolphin to move is with a drifter or spinnaker. In winds above 10 knots she sails well with her working sails.
s/v Lady Dolphin
QUESTION #3 of 3
I'd like to purchase a drifter similar to one shown at the top of the Flicka Home Page. Bruce Bingham in the "Small Boat Journal" years ago listed the cut of his drifter as follows: (Luff-27'10" flying) (Foot-16'.0" maximum roach) (Leach-24'2" maximum roach). He had it made of 3/4" nylon. Is this the same as yours. If not can you give me your measurements, let me know where you purchased it and a ballpark figure on the price? Thanks for any help you can give me.
Bill Overman
REPLY #1
I telephoned the former owner of s/v Becky Ann and discussed your question. He did not remember the measurements but thought the sail was about the size of a 160% genoa. He had a 140% genoa and wanted a drifter which was larger than the genoa. The Pacific Seacraft Flicka's J-measurement is 10.5', therefore a drifter the size of a 160% genoa would have a foot of about 16'. The sail was built in Seabrook, (Houston) Texas by Cameron Sails. Sailrite has built drifters for Flickas and can give you a price quote for a kit or the completed sail. If you send them an e-mail message, address the message to either Matt or Jeff. Also, if you open "Flicka Notes, Bimini" you will find additional images of Becky Ann and should be able to determine the approximate length of the foot from the location of the clew in relationship to the cabin and cockpit. Tom, the former owner of Becky Ann is now sailing a Cape Dory 28, which he reports handles similar to the Flicka but has a little more "bum-room" than the Flicka but not anymore storage.
Rod Bruckdorfer
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