BASHFORD (SYDNEY) 36 Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

The BASHFORD (SYDNEY) 36 is a high-performance cruiser-racer designed by MDB for the competitive regatta circuit. It balances a lightweight, responsive hull with a powerful rig, targeting sailors who prioritize speed and windward efficiency.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

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

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 2.71 indicates a high-aspect rig, designed for maximum lift and reduced drag at the top of the sail plan.
• Foretriangle Design: The I/J ratio of 3.25 is optimized for high-modulus working jibs and moderate-overlap genoas.
• Sail Area: 63m² total upwind area provides a generous power-to-weight ratio for this 11-meter hull.
• Performance: The configuration is heavily racing-oriented, prioritizing close-hauled pointing and rapid acceleration.

Popular Sail Configurations

Typical setups focus on maintaining a flat, fast profile across various wind ranges:

• Mainsail: Performance-cut mainsails with full or tapered battens for precise leach control.
• Headsail: Non-overlapping 105% jibs for modern windward-leeward racing or 135% genoas for light-air performance.

Key Characteristics

• High-aspect 2.71 P/E ratio delivers superior upwind lift.
• Balanced 3.25 I/J ratio supports versatile headsail inventories.
• Deep 2.37m draft provides the stiffness required to carry 63m² of sail.
• Responsive hull design optimized for high-performance IRC or club racing.

Sailing Considerations

• Requires active mainsheet and backstay trimming to manage the high-aspect rig.
• Optimal racing performance is achieved with a skilled crew of 6 to 8.
• The boat remains stiff and weatherly in moderate breeze, maintaining speed through tacks.

Sailmaking Recommendations

For the BASHFORD (SYDNEY) 36, we recommend SurgeX membrane sails as the optimal choice for most sailors. SurgeX uses continuous fiber construction where fibers are laid precisely along load paths and embedded in a thin membrane, providing superior shape retention compared to traditional Dacron while being more affordable than premium carbon laminates. This continuous fiber structure minimizes stretch over time, maintaining the designed aerodynamic profile for years of competitive use.

For racing applications, specify a lightweight SurgeX configuration with minimal base weight to maximize performance in light to moderate air. For performance cruising or deliveries, add a taffeta protective layer on both sides to enhance UV resistance and abrasion protection against the rig. Based on the 2.71 P/E ratio, a tri-radial fiber layout within the membrane works best to handle the high vertical loads. A typical inventory includes a high-roach mainsail, a versatile J2 jib, and an asymmetric spinnaker. With 63m² of sail area, plan to tuck the first reef in at approximately 18-20 knots of true wind.

Conclusion

The BASHFORD (SYDNEY) 36 is a refined racing platform that excels with modern, high-modulus materials. Explore sail options for BASHFORD (SYDNEY) 36 to unlock its full potential on the racecourse.