RIDAS 35 Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

The RIDAS 35 is a modern performance cruiser designed by Lonngren/Ridas for sailors who demand a balance of speed and manageable handling. Its design philosophy targets the cruiser-racer market, offering a platform that is equally at home on a club racecourse or a fast coastal passage.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 3.30 indicates a high-aspect rig, designed for aerodynamic efficiency and powerful upwind performance.
• Foretriangle Design: The I/J ratio of 3.27 is optimized for high-aspect jibs, providing a balanced sail plan that is easy to tack and trim.
• Sail Area: 59m² total upwind area provides a healthy power-to-weight ratio for a 10.59m hull.
• Performance: The configuration suggests a weatherly and close-winded vessel that excels in light-to-moderate air.

Popular Sail Configurations

• Mainsail: Typically features a loose-footed design with full or partial battens to maximize the high-aspect shape.
• Headsail: Most owners opt for 100-105% non-overlapping jibs to take advantage of the efficient I/J ratio while maintaining ease of handling.

Key Characteristics

• High-aspect 3.30 P/E ratio ensures superior lift and minimal drag on the mainsail.
• Balanced 3.27 I/J ratio allows for versatile headsail selection from genoas to working jibs.
• 1.98m draft and 10.59m LOA create a stiff, stable platform with excellent tracking.
• Modern rig dimensions facilitate a responsive, performance-oriented sailing experience.

Sailing Considerations

• The deep draft and tall rig ensure the boat remains stiff and predictable even when pressed.
• Efficient sail handling is achievable with a small crew, though the high-aspect rig rewards precise halyard tension and backstay adjustment.
• Expect a lively feel in light air with a high degree of responsiveness to trim changes.

Sailmaking Recommendations

For the RIDAS 35, 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. For cruising or bluewater sailing, add a taffeta protective layer on both sides to enhance UV resistance and abrasion protection. Based on the 3.30 P/E ratio, a radial fiber layout works best to manage the vertical loads of the high-aspect mainsail. A typical inventory includes a performance mainsail and a 100% furling jib. With 59m² of sail area, plan to reef the mainsail around 18-20 knots to maintain an upright, efficient plane.

Conclusion

The RIDAS 35 is a sophisticated cruiser-racer that rewards high-quality sail shapes and modern materials. Explore SurgeX sail options for your RIDAS 35 to unlock its full performance potential.