Rigging Dimensions
The four foretriangle measurements sailmakers need to quote a new suit.
I ?
14.47 ft
J ?
18.30 ft
P ?
1.00 ft
E ?
— 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 | — | — |
| 100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 | 132.4 | 12.3 |
| 150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail | 198.6 | 18.5 |
| Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut | 66.2 | 6.2 |
| Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J | 476.6 | 44.3 |
| Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle | — | — |
Foretriangle Diagram
Scale diagram unavailable — I, J, P, and E measurements are not all published for the Formosa 51.
Performance Ratios
How the Formosa 51 carries its sail relative to its displacement.
SA/D Ratio
14.5
Moderate — comfortable coastal cruiser, not overcanvassed.
Mast Height (above DWL)
59.7 ft
Clears the 65 ft ICW fixed-bridge standard at normal tide.
Ballast Ratio
23%
Light ballast — tends to be tender; reef earlier.
Typical Sail Inventory
What Formosa 51 owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.
Mainsail — ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 198.6 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~146 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 66.2 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~477 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 Formosa 51 — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.