Rigging Dimensions
The four foretriangle measurements sailmakers need to quote a new suit.
I ?
47.14 ft
J ?
12.79 ft
P ?
47.90 ft
E ?
15.41 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 | 369.1 | 34.3 |
| 100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 | 301.5 | 28.0 |
| 150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail | 452.2 | 42.0 |
| Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut | 150.7 | 14.0 |
| Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J | 1,085.3 | 100.8 |
| Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle | 670.5 | 62.3 |
Foretriangle Diagram
Drawn to scale from published I, J, P, E measurements — Fractional Sloop · Jean Berret/Phillippe Starck design
Performance Ratios
How the First 38S5 Beneteau carries its sail relative to its displacement.
SA/D Ratio
18.1
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
33%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability underway.
Typical Sail Inventory
What First 38S5 Beneteau owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.
Mainsail 369.1 ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 452.2 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~332 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 150.7 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~1,085 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 First 38S5 Beneteau — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.