Anyone know what the size difference is between the euro main and NA main, and where can you still get a euro sail, I've heard it's like 15 sqft smaller and might be better for sailing light (320lbs)

Note that the Nacra class rules were recently changed to read that only the North American sail plan was legal for racing in North America.

One of the best sources on European boat specs is the Texel handicap rating measurement form.

http://www.watersportverbond.nl/data/837_numdet_27-5-2007.pdf

This is the PDF version but you can also download the excel version and see the actually measurement taken. It is a very rich source of information and a headache for builders. Afterall the REAL specs are publicized after being measured putting truth to claims.

For the Inter-20 sailing in the EU we find.

nacra inter 20 - 18,00 sq mtr. with 9,08 mtr luff
nacra 20 medium - 18,56 sq mtr. with 9,00 mtr luff
nacra 20 large - 19,18 sq mtr. with 9,00 mtr luff

It think the nacra 20 medium was a try out and the nacra 30 large is the current "popular" US rig that is being used in the EU now. OF course the "nacra inter-20" was the old size and formula 20 compliant.

15 sq ft = 1.39 sq. mtr.

and I'm convinced it is better for sailing light at 320 lbs (145 kg) in anything but sub 8 knot winds.

Wouter

Wouter thanks for that information, that puts the NA sail at 206.98 and the EU sail at 194.24, a 12.74 difference. I'm guessing you can't get the EU main anymore with everyone using the NA one now.
I wonder how an F18 sail would work, if you used 2 feet of vectran at the top to make up for the 2 foot difference in mast size.

Yes, so they want us to believe.



One can always try but I don't expect much from it.

Wouter

Solutions:

- Corrector weight(s)
- Downhaul the snot out of the NA sail. They go flat pretty dang well.
- max spreader rake and diamond tension (check the rig guides)
- traveler down in heavy stuff

The Euro Nacra 20 (one-design) sail (same size as ours here) is cut quite a bit flatter than ours. I am assuming this is because of the higher average windspeed in Europe. I found the sail to be lacking in light and shifty winds, but it was much better in higher winds. If you are just looking for a high-wind sail to throw up for fun sailing, you might want to check one out, but it will not be class legal in the US.

2nd 3rd and 4th points are all good.

I'd guess most people this side of the pond would be loving to be sailing at this weight. I fight to stay as light as I can - failing at the moment <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />