BOLT 37 Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

Designed by Jason Ker and built by CSC Composites, the BOLT 37 is a high-performance grand prix racer optimized for IRC/ORC competition. It targets the serious racing market, offering a light displacement hull paired with a powerful, modern rig.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 3.26 indicates a high-aspect ratio rig, prioritizing upwind efficiency and lift.
• Foretriangle Design: The I/J ratio of 3.39 is optimized for high-aspect, non-overlapping working jibs.
• Sail Area: 67m² of total upwind area provides a high power-to-weight ratio.
• Performance: The configuration is strictly racing-oriented, designed for rapid acceleration and high pointing angles.

Popular Sail Configurations

• Mainsail: Typically features a significant roach or square-top design to maximize the 15.12m luff.
• Headsail: Most boats utilize a range of non-overlapping jibs (J1-J3) to suit varying wind strengths.

Key Characteristics

• High-aspect 3.26 P/E ratio ensures exceptional upwind efficiency and aerodynamic lift.
• Steep 3.39 I/J ratio favors modern, easily tacked non-overlapping headsails.
• Deep 2.60m draft provides the necessary stiffness to carry 67m² of upwind sail area.
• Precision Jason Ker hull geometry optimized for tactical agility and high-speed planing.

Sailing Considerations

• Requires active backstay and traveler management due to the high-aspect sail plan.
• Optimized for a full racing crew of 7-9 members for effective weight distribution.
• Highly responsive in light air with performance expectations exceeding most 37-foot production boats.

Sailmaking Recommendations

For the BOLT 37, 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 Carbon or Technora fibers and minimal base weight to maximize performance. For offshore or delivery use, add a thin taffeta protective layer to enhance UV resistance and abrasion protection. Based on the 3.26 P/E ratio, a load-path tri-radial layout works best to manage high leech tensions. A typical inventory includes a square-top mainsail, an all-purpose J2 jib, and a fractional code zero. With 67m² of sail area, plan to reef or transition to a heavy-weather jib around 18-20 knots.

Conclusion

The BOLT 37 is a precision-engineered racing yacht that requires high-modulus sails to achieve its design potential. Explore sail options for BOLT 37.