CONRAD 25 Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

The CONRAD 25, designed by the legendary Doug Peterson and built by Conrad Poland, is a high-performance quarter-tonner optimized for competitive racing and spirited coastal cruising. Its design emphasizes upwind efficiency and responsive handling, making it a favorite for club racers and technical sailors.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

Analysis of the P/E and I/J dimensions reveals a versatile and efficient sail plan:

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 3.22 indicates a high-aspect ratio rig, prioritizing aerodynamic efficiency and upwind pointing ability.
• Foretriangle Design: The I/J ratio of 3.46 is optimized for overlapping genoas, providing the necessary power to drive the 7.65m hull in light-to-moderate conditions.
• Sail Area: 21m² total upwind area allows for a balanced power-to-displacement ratio.
• Performance: The Doug Peterson heritage ensures a weatherly boat that excels in tactical windward-leeward racing.

Popular Sail Configurations

• Mainsail: Typically a high-roach design to maximize the 7.73m luff length.
• Headsail: Configurations vary from 150% overlapping genoas for light-air performance to high-aspect working jibs for heavy-air stability.

Key Characteristics

• High-aspect mainsail (3.22 P/E) ensures exceptional lift and minimal drag while close-hauled.
• High I/J ratio (3.46) favors powerful headsails to maximize drive in the foretriangle.
• Deep 1.55m draft provides the necessary stiffness to carry 21m² of sail in a breeze.
• 2.76m beam offers significant form stability for a boat of this length.

Sailing Considerations

The CONRAD 25 is a stiff and capable platform that remains close-winded even as the breeze builds. It typically requires a crew of 3 to 4 for optimal weight distribution and sail trimming during racing. Performance expectations are high in the 8-15 knot wind range, where the 21m² sail plan reaches peak efficiency.

Sailmaking Recommendations

For the CONRAD 25, 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 club racing, add a taffeta protective layer on both sides to enhance UV resistance and abrasion protection. Based on the 3.22 P/E ratio, a tri-radial fiber layout within the membrane works best to handle the high vertical loads of the tall mainsail. A typical inventory includes a full-battened SurgeX main and a 135% reacher/genoa. With 21m² of sail area, plan to reef the high-aspect main around 18 knots to maintain a flat heel angle.

Conclusion

The CONRAD 25 is a masterclass in small-boat performance, combining Doug Peterson’s design pedigree with a technical sail plan. Explore sail options for CONRAD 25 to maximize your boat's potential.