Rigging Dimensions
The four foretriangle measurements sailmakers need to quote a new suit.
I ?
37.60 ft
J ?
11.10 ft
P ?
39.50 ft
E ?
13.80 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 | 272.6 | 25.3 |
| 100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 | 208.7 | 19.4 |
| 150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail | 313.0 | 29.1 |
| Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut | 104.3 | 9.7 |
| Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J | 751.2 | 69.8 |
| Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle | 481.2 | 44.7 |
Foretriangle Diagram
Drawn to scale from published I, J, P, E measurements — Fractional Sloop · Rob Humphreys design
Performance Ratios
How the Contessa 33 carries its sail relative to its displacement.
SA/D Ratio
17.9
Moderate — comfortable coastal cruiser, not overcanvassed.
Mast Height (above DWL)
— ft
Air draft not published — measure yours before any bridge transit.
Ballast Ratio
—
Ballast ratio not published.
Typical Sail Inventory
What Contessa 33 owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.
Mainsail 272.6 ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 313.0 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~230 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 104.3 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~751 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 Contessa 33 — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.