Rigging Dimensions
The four foretriangle measurements sailmakers need to quote a new suit.
I ?
69.90 ft
J ?
20.90 ft
P ?
63.00 ft
E ?
18.30 ft
Sail Area Breakdown
Calculated from rigging dimensions. Use these as your starting point when ordering a new suit.
| Sail | Area (ft²) | Area (m²) |
|---|---|---|
| MainsailP × E ÷ 2 | 576.5 | 53.6 |
| 100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 | 730.5 | 67.9 |
| 150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail | 1,095.7 | 101.8 |
| Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut | 365.2 | 33.9 |
| Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J | 2,629.6 | 244.3 |
| Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle | 1,306.9 | 121.4 |
Foretriangle Diagram
Drawn to scale from published I, J, P, E measurements — Cutter · Alden design
Performance Ratios
How the Alden 52 carries its sail relative to its displacement.
SA/D Ratio
18.3
Powerful cruiser/racer — quick in light air, reef early in a blow.
Mast Height (above DWL)
— ft
Air draft not published — measure yours before any bridge transit.
Ballast Ratio
42%
Stiff enough to carry a 150% genoa comfortably into moderate breeze.
Typical Sail Inventory
What Alden 52 owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.
Mainsail 576.5 ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 1,095.7 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~804 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 365.2 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~2,630 ft²
Popular downwind upgrade — easier than symmetric for shorthanded sailing.
Optional
Replacement Cost Estimator
Get a rough price range for a new mainsail and genoa for the Alden 52 — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.