Rigging Dimensions
The four foretriangle measurements sailmakers need to quote a new suit.
I ?
40.50 ft
J ?
13.25 ft
P ?
34.00 ft
E ?
12.50 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 | 212.5 | 19.7 |
| 100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 | 268.3 | 24.9 |
| 150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail | 402.5 | 37.4 |
| Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut | 134.2 | 12.5 |
| Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J | 965.9 | 89.7 |
| Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle | 480.8 | 44.7 |
Foretriangle Diagram
Drawn to scale from published I, J, P, E measurements — Masthead Sloop · Halsey C. Herreshoff design
Performance Ratios
How the Bristol 34 carries its sail relative to its displacement.
SA/D Ratio
15.2
Moderate — comfortable coastal cruiser, not overcanvassed.
Mast Height (above DWL)
— ft
Air draft not published — measure yours before any bridge transit.
Ballast Ratio
49%
Race-oriented ballast ratio — stiff and powerful.
Typical Sail Inventory
What Bristol 34 owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.
Mainsail 212.5 ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 402.5 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~295 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 134.2 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~966 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 Bristol 34 — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.