FAST 42 Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

Designed by Simonis and built by Fast Yachts, the FAST 42 is a performance-oriented cruiser-racer optimized for speed and offshore handling. With a fleet of only six boats, it remains a niche choice for sailors who prioritize a high power-to-weight ratio and racing pedigree.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 2.49 indicates a high-aspect rig, offering efficient lift and excellent upwind performance.
• Foretriangle Design: The I/J ratio of 3.24 is relatively high, favoring tall, high-aspect headsails and efficient non-overlapping jibs.
• Sail Area: 77m² total upwind area provides significant drive for a 12.76m hull.
• Performance: The combination of a 2.44m draft and 77m² sail area suggests a stiff, weatherly boat capable of competitive IRC or club racing.

Popular Sail Configurations

• Mainsail: Standard configurations typically feature full battens for shape stability in the high-aspect 45m² planform.
• Headsail: Most owners opt for a range of jibs to suit the tall foretriangle, varying by local conditions.

Key Characteristics

• High-Aspect Power: The 2.49 P/E ratio ensures a powerful, efficient mainsail plan.
• Tall Foretriangle: An I/J of 3.24 supports excellent pointing ability with high-aspect headsails.
• Stiff Stability: The deep 2.44m draft provides the necessary leverage for the 77m² upwind plan.
• Responsive Handling: The Simonis design excels in light-to-moderate air while remaining manageable in a breeze.

Sailing Considerations

• Recommended for 6-8 crew members for competitive racing to manage the 77m² sail area.
• The deep draft makes the FAST 42 exceptionally close-winded.
• Plan to reef the 45m² mainsail as the breeze exceeds 16-18 knots to maintain a flat profile.

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 in light air. For cruising or bluewater sailing, add a taffeta protective layer on both sides to enhance UV resistance and abrasion protection. Based on the 2.49 P/E ratio, a load-path fiber layout in a tri-radial orientation works best to handle the vertical loads of the tall rig. A typical inventory includes a 45m² main, a 33m² J2 jib, and an asymmetric spinnaker. With 77m² of sail area, plan to reef around 17 knots.

Conclusion

The FAST 42 is a refined Simonis design that rewards precise sail trim and high-modulus materials. Explore sail options for FAST 42 to maximize your yacht's performance potential.