Rigging Dimensions
The four foretriangle measurements sailmakers need to quote a new suit.
I ?
55.75 ft
J ?
18.42 ft
P ?
51.67 ft
E ?
18.33 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 | 473.6 | 44.0 |
| 100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 | 513.5 | 47.7 |
| 150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail | 770.2 | 71.6 |
| Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut | 256.7 | 23.9 |
| Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J | 1,848.4 | 171.7 |
| Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle | 987.0 | 91.7 |
Foretriangle Diagram
Drawn to scale from published I, J, P, E measurements — Fractional Sloop · Berret-Racoupeau design
Performance Ratios
How the Beneteau 49 carries its sail relative to its displacement.
SA/D Ratio
20.5
Powerful cruiser/racer — quick in light air, reef early in a blow.
Mast Height (above DWL)
64.8 ft
Tight on the 65 ft ICW standard — check tide before transiting.
Ballast Ratio
34%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability underway.
Typical Sail Inventory
What Beneteau 49 owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.
Mainsail 473.6 ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 770.2 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~565 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 256.7 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~1,848 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 Beneteau 49 — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.