FIRST 36.7 Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

The FIRST 36.7 is a quintessential Farr-designed racer-cruiser, blending competitive performance with comfortable offshore capabilities. This versatile fleet of 198 boats targets club racers and performance-oriented cruising families seeking a balanced, responsive platform.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

Analysis of the P/E/I/J dimensions reveals a highly efficient rig setup:

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 2.89 indicates a high-aspect rig designed for maximum lift and upwind efficiency.
• Foretriangle Design: The I/J ratio of 3.48 allows for powerful headsails, suiting both large overlapping genoas and working jibs.
• Sail Area: 60m² total upwind area provides a high power-to-weight ratio.
• Performance: The configuration is heavily oriented toward weatherly performance and agility in light to moderate air.

Popular Sail Configurations

Inventories for the FIRST 36.7 are typically optimized for versatility across different racing classes and cruising conditions:

• Mainsail: Large-roach configurations are most common to leverage the 13.75m luff (P).
• Headsail: Setups vary between 140% genoas for light-air performance and non-overlapping blade jibs for heavy-air stability.

Key Characteristics

• High-Aspect Efficiency: The 2.89 P/E ratio ensures the boat points high and maintains speed in light air.
• Versatile Foretriangle: An I/J of 3.48 offers significant sail-handling flexibility for varying wind ranges.
• Balanced Dimensions: The 10.65m LOA paired with a 3.46m beam creates a stable yet nimble hull form.
• Farr Performance: Known for being close-winded and responsive even when fully loaded for cruising.

Sailing Considerations

The FIRST 36.7 is a stiff and predictable boat that rewards precise sail trim. While manageable for shorthanded cruising, a full crew is recommended to maximize the 60m² upwind sail area during competitive racing. Performance expectations remain high across the wind spectrum, provided the sail shape is well-maintained.

Sailmaking Recommendations

For the FIRST 36.7, 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 and sensitivity. For cruising or bluewater sailing, add a taffeta protective layer on both sides to enhance UV resistance and abrasion protection. Based on the 2.89 P/E ratio, a tri-radial load-path layout works best to manage the high vertical loads of this tall rig. A typical inventory includes a full-battened mainsail and a versatile #2 genoa. With 60m² of sail area, plan to reef around 18-20 knots to maintain a flat, manageable profile.

Conclusion

The FIRST 36.7 remains a benchmark for performance cruising, offering a powerful rig that rewards high-quality sail construction. Explore sail options for FIRST 36.7 to maximize your boat's speed and longevity.