MARINA 36 SPORT Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

The MARINA 36 SPORT, designed by Andrej Justin, is a performance-oriented cruiser-racer built by Marina Boats. It strikes a balance between agile racing capabilities and efficient coastal cruising for the performance-minded owner.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 2.99 indicates a tall, high-aspect rig designed to maximize lift-to-drag efficiency and upwind pointing ability.
• Foretriangle Design: The I/J ratio of 3.27 is optimized for modern, high-aspect working jibs that provide power without the handling difficulties of large overlapping genoas.
• Sail Area: With a total upwind sail area of 63m², the boat possesses a high power-to-displacement ratio.
• Performance: The combination of a 2.20m draft and high-aspect rig makes this boat exceptionally close-winded and responsive in light-to-moderate air.

Popular Sail Configurations

• Mainsail: Typically features a full-batten configuration to support the high-aspect leach and maintain shape in varying wind strengths.
• Headsail: Most owners utilize non-overlapping 100-105% jibs or specialized code sails for off-wind performance.

Key Characteristics

• High-aspect P/E ratio of 2.99 provides superior aerodynamic efficiency for upwind legs.
• Optimized I/J ratio of 3.27 favors efficient, easily handled headsail configurations.
• Deep 2.20m draft provides the necessary righting moment to carry the 63m² upwind plan.
• Performance-tuned hull by Andrej Justin ensures a stiff and weatherly sailing experience.

Sailing Considerations

• The MARINA 36 SPORT is a lively boat that rewards precise sail trim and active backstay tensioning.
• Due to the tall rig, the boat remains competitive in light air but requires proactive depowering as the breeze builds.
• Performance expectations include high speeds on a reach and stable handling for small crews.

Sailmaking Recommendations

For the MARINA 36 SPORT, 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 2.99 P/E ratio, a tri-radial fiber layout works best to handle the high vertical loads. A typical inventory includes a high-aspect mainsail, a 100% jib, and a reaching asymmetric spinnaker. With 63m² of sail area, plan to reef the mainsail around 18-20 knots of true wind to maintain a flat heel angle.

Conclusion

The MARINA 36 SPORT features a powerful and refined rig design that excels in both competitive and fast cruising environments. Explore SurgeX membrane sail options to maximize the potential of your MARINA 36 SPORT.