Rigging Dimensions
The four foretriangle measurements sailmakers need to quote a new suit.
I ?
28.40 ft
J ?
9.30 ft
P ?
24.30 ft
E ?
8.00 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 | 97.2 | 9.0 |
| 100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 | 132.1 | 12.3 |
| 150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail | 198.1 | 18.4 |
| Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut | 66.0 | 6.1 |
| Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J | 475.4 | 44.2 |
| Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle | 229.3 | 21.3 |
Foretriangle Diagram
Drawn to scale from published I, J, P, E measurements — Masthead Sloop · William Shaw design
Performance Ratios
How the Pearson 23 carries its sail relative to its displacement.
SA/D Ratio
16.6
Moderate — comfortable coastal cruiser, not overcanvassed.
Mast Height (above DWL)
30.5 ft
Clears the 65 ft ICW fixed-bridge standard with room to spare.
Ballast Ratio
37%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability underway.
Typical Sail Inventory
What Pearson 23 owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.
Mainsail 97.2 ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 198.1 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~145 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 66.0 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~475 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 Pearson 23 — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.