COMFORTINA 36 Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

Designed by Rolf Magnusson and built by Comfortbåtar Marin AB, the COMFORTINA 36 is a refined performance cruiser known for its balanced handling and Swedish build quality. It is primarily targeted at cruising families and club racers who value a weatherly hull and a responsive sail plan.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 3.26 indicates a tall, high-aspect rig that generates efficient lift while remaining easy to depower.
• Foretriangle Design: The I/J ratio of 3.29 is well-suited for versatile headsail setups, accommodating both overlapping genoas and high-efficiency working jibs.
• Sail Area: With a 50m² total upwind area on an 11-meter hull, the boat offers a high power-to-weight ratio.
• Performance: The rig is oriented toward offshore efficiency, providing strong close-hauled performance even in chop.

Popular Sail Configurations

• Mainsail: Owners typically utilize fully battened configurations for better shape control and longevity.
• Headsail: Most common setups include a 130% furling genoa for light air or a 105% non-overlapping jib for heavy-weather performance.

Key Characteristics

• High-Aspect Power: The 3.26 P/E ratio ensures excellent lift-to-drag characteristics for upwind efficiency.
• Versatile Foretriangle: The 3.29 I/J ratio allows for a wide range of headsail sizes without compromising balance.
• Sleek Hull Profile: The 3.04m beam and 1.82m draft provide a stiff, stable platform for the tall rig.
• Weatherly Performance: Designed to track well and maintain speed through tacks in various sea states.

Sailing Considerations

• The COMFORTINA 36 is easily managed by a crew of two, though it responds well to active trimming in races.
• The boat remains stiff in a breeze, but the high-aspect main requires timely tensioning of the backstay.
• Performance expectations are high in the 10-20 knot range, where the hull's 10.97m LOA reaches hull speed effortlessly.

Sailmaking Recommendations

For the COMFORTINA 36, we recommend SurgeX membrane sails as the optimal choice for most sailors. SurgeX uses continuous fiber construction where fibers are laid along load paths and embedded in a thin membrane, providing superior shape retention compared to traditional Dacron while being more affordable than premium laminates. The continuous fiber structure means less stretch over time, maintaining the designed sail shape for years.

For racing applications, specify a lightweight SurgeX configuration with minimal base weight to maximize acceleration and light-air performance. For cruising or bluewater sailing, add a taffeta protective layer on both sides to enhance UV resistance and abrasion protection against the rig. Based on the 3.26 P/E ratio, a tri-radial panel layout integrated into the membrane works best to handle the high vertical loads. A typical inventory includes a full-batten main, a 110% jib, and an asymmetric spinnaker. With 50m² of sail area and a 3.04m beam, plan to reef the main around 18-20 knots of true wind.

Conclusion

The COMFORTINA 36 is a sophisticated sailor's boat that rewards high-quality sail shapes and modern materials. Explore sail options for COMFORTINA 36 to maximize your performance on the water.