LONGTAIL 30 Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

The LONGTAIL 30, designed by Paul Bieker and built by Betts, is a high-performance racing machine defined by its narrow hull and deep draft. This elite design targets the grand-prix racing and fast-daysailing market, prioritizing speed and aerodynamic efficiency.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 2.87 indicates a tall, high-aspect rig designed for maximum lift and minimal drag.
• Foretriangle Design: The I/J ratio of 3.32 is optimized for modern, high-aspect working jibs rather than overlapping genoas.
• Sail Area: 45m² total upwind area provides a high power-to-displacement ratio for a 9.19m hull.
• Performance: The rig is strictly racing-oriented, offering exceptional pointing ability and responsiveness.

Popular Sail Configurations

• Mainsail: Typically features square-top configurations to capitalize on the tall P dimension and high-aspect ratio.
• Headsail: Utilizes high-aspect, non-overlapping jibs (J1-J3) for precise sheeting angles and upwind efficiency.

Key Characteristics

• High-Aspect Efficiency: The 2.87 P/E ratio minimizes tip vortex drag for superior light-air performance.
• Close-Winded Design: A 3.32 I/J ratio supports narrow sheeting tracks and high pointing angles.
• Extreme Stability: The 2.44m draft provides significant righting moment for the narrow 2.27m beam.
• Weatherly Platform: Designed to excel in upwind beats with minimal wetted surface area.

Sailing Considerations

• High power-to-weight requires proactive depowering via backstay and cunningham in building breeze.
• Ideal for a focused racing crew capable of managing high-performance sail controls.
• Expect rapid acceleration and high sensitivity to trim adjustments.

Sailmaking Recommendations

For the LONGTAIL 30, 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 and reduce healing moment. For fast daysailing, add a taffeta protective layer on both sides to enhance UV resistance and abrasion protection against the rig. Based on the 2.87 P/E ratio, a multi-directional continuous fiber layout works best to handle the high vertical loads of the tall mainsail. A typical inventory includes a square-top mainsail, a versatile all-purpose jib, and an asymmetric spinnaker. With 45m² of upwind sail area on such a narrow hull, plan to reef or depower around 16-18 knots.

Conclusion

The LONGTAIL 30 is a sophisticated racing platform that demands high-modulus sail materials to match its Bieker-designed performance. Explore sail options for LONGTAIL 30 to unlock its full competitive potential.