BASHFORD (SYDNEY) 36 Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

Designed by Ian Murray and built by SRG, the BASHFORD (SYDNEY) 36 is a high-performance cruiser-racer engineered for competitive fleet racing and fast coastal passages. It balances a sophisticated racing pedigree with a manageable hull form for various sailing conditions.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 3.00 indicates a high-aspect rig, prioritizing aerodynamic efficiency and lift in upwind legs.
• Foretriangle Design: The I/J ratio of 3.48 provides a tall foretriangle, accommodating powerful headsails that provide significant drive.
• Sail Area: 64m² total upwind area allows for excellent light-air performance.
• Performance: The sail plan is heavily skewed toward racing optimization while remaining versatile enough for performance cruising.

Popular Sail Configurations

• Mainsail: Typically features a loose-footed design with full battens for cruising or high-modulus racing configurations.
• Headsail: Most owners opt for non-overlapping jibs or moderate genoas to maximize the efficiency of the tall foretriangle.

Key Characteristics

• High-aspect 3.00 P/E ratio for superior upwind pointing and lift.
• Tall 3.48 I/J foretriangle ratio for versatile headsail power.
• Deep 2.28m draft provides the stability needed for a stiff, weatherly ride.
• 10.97m LOA combined with a 3.41m beam offers balanced, predictable tracking.

Sailing Considerations

• Requires active mainsheet and traveler trimming to manage the high-aspect mainsail in gusts.
• Ideally sailed with a crew of 6-8 for competitive racing but manageable for experienced short-handed crews.
• Expect exceptionally close-winded performance when the rig is properly tuned.

Sailmaking Recommendations

For the BASHFORD (SYDNEY) 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 performance in light to moderate air. For cruising or bluewater sailing, add a taffeta protective layer on both sides to enhance UV resistance and abrasion protection. Based on the 3.00 P/E ratio, a membrane layout with load-path aligned fibers works best to handle the high vertical loads of this tall rig. A typical inventory includes a square-headed or high-roach mainsail, a 105% J3 jib, and an all-purpose asymmetrical spinnaker. With 64m² of sail area, plan to reef the mainsail around 18-20 knots of true wind speed to maintain helm balance.

Conclusion

The BASHFORD (SYDNEY) 36 is a refined performance platform where high-aspect rig dimensions meet Ian Murray’s proven hull design. Explore sail options for the BASHFORD (SYDNEY) 36 to unlock its full racing potential.