FAST 42 Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

Designed by Simonis and built by Robertson & Caine, the FAST 42 is a performance-oriented racer-cruiser. Its design philosophy focuses on offshore speed and structural rigidity, targeting competitive sailors who demand agility without sacrificing build quality.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 2.78 indicates a high-aspect ratio rig, prioritizing aerodynamic efficiency and superior upwind pointing.
• Foretriangle Design: The I/J ratio of 3.47 is optimized for high-performance headsails, supporting both powerful genoas and efficient working jibs.
• Sail Area: A generous 79m² total upwind area provides a high power-to-displacement ratio.
• Performance: The combination of a tall rig and a 2.42m draft ensures a stiff, weatherly boat capable of high speeds in diverse conditions.

Popular Sail Configurations

• Mainsail: Typically configured with full battens to support the high leach loads of the tall P/E ratio.
• Headsail: Standard setups range from 135% overlapping genoas for light air to 100% non-overlapping jibs for heavy weather.

Key Characteristics

• High-aspect P/E ratio minimizes drag and enhances lift at tight wind angles.
• 3.47 I/J ratio allows for versatile foresail inventory management across various wind ranges.
• 2.42m deep-draft hull delivers excellent stability and resistance to leeway.
• 79m² sail plan ensures competitive performance in light-to-moderate breeze.

Sailing Considerations

• Rig tension is critical to managing the flat, high-aspect sail shapes as the wind builds.
• Requires an active crew for precise trimming to unlock the full potential of the Simonis design.
• Excellent tracking and acceleration expected in both flat water and offshore swells.

Sailmaking Recommendations

For the FAST 42, 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 2.78 P/E ratio, a tri-radial fiber layout within the membrane works best to handle the high vertical loads. A typical inventory includes a full-batten mainsail and a 105% all-purpose jib. With 79m² of sail area, plan to reef the mainsail at approximately 18–20 knots of true wind.

Conclusion

The FAST 42’s high-aspect rig and deep draft create a powerful, efficient sailing platform designed for speed. Explore sail options for FAST 42 to maximize your yacht's performance potential.