BARNETT 56 Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

The BARNETT 56 is a high-performance cruiser designed by Tim Barnett and built by Franklin. This 17.24-meter vessel is engineered for blue-water passage making, combining a substantial hull form with a powerful, modern sail plan for discerning sailors.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

Analysis of the P/E and I/J dimensions reveals a well-balanced, modern sail plan:

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 3.05 indicates a high-aspect ratio rig, optimized for aerodynamic efficiency and lift.
• Foretriangle Design: The I/J ratio of 3.27 is versatile, supporting powerful overlapping genoas and efficient working jibs.
• Sail Area: 136 m² total upwind area provides a high sail-area-to-displacement potential.
• Performance: The configuration is heavily oriented toward offshore stability and weatherly performance.

Popular Sail Configurations

Due to the custom nature of this Franklin-built yacht, configurations vary based on the owner's mission:

• Mainsail: Typically a full-battened high-aspect main for maximum durability and shape control.
• Headsail: Large 135% genoas for light-air performance or heavy-duty structural jibs for offshore work.

Key Characteristics

• High-aspect 3.05 P/E ratio ensures efficient lift and excellent pointing ability.
• Generous 3.27 I/J ratio allows for a wide range of headsail inventory options.
• 17.24m LOA and 2.79m draft provide a stiff platform capable of carrying sail in heavy air.
• Balanced 136 m² upwind area delivers consistent performance across various wind angles.

Sailing Considerations

• The high-aspect rig performs best when the mainsail shape is strictly controlled through backstay tension.
• Recommended for shorthanded cruising or fully-crewed offshore racing depending on the deck layout.
• Expect a stiff, weatherly ride with excellent tracking in offshore sea states.

Sailmaking Recommendations

For the BARNETT 56, 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 3.05 P/E ratio, a tri-radial fiber orientation within the membrane works best to handle the high vertical loads of the tall luff. A typical inventory includes a full-battened mainsail, a 110% furling jib, and a code-zero for reaching. With 136m² of sail area, plan to reef around 20 knots to maintain optimal heel angles.

Conclusion

The BARNETT 56 is a sophisticated platform that rewards high-quality sail construction and precise trim. Explore sail options for BARNETT 56 to maximize your yacht's offshore performance.