Im getting all new sails made for a 461. Just wondering if its worth getting another self tacker or going to the 105% overlapper. Is the extra few sqm of sail area worth the trade off, (being the loss of the self tacking). Thanks in advance for any advise!

 

Once Offshore I switched to the 105% genoa and much preferred that sail for "proper" sailing. Even that little extra area would open up options off wind and reaching, or beating in lighter airs. That said, my self tacker didn't have the roach and battens that the Hanse self tacker has, so whether the difference would be as discernible on a Hanse I'm not sure.

 

Not an option for me as the 418 doesn't have jib tracks (& I can't see that they could be retro fitted).

The code 0 is a cruising one so is relatively cut high keeping it clear of the rig.

Another thing to think about is the jib sheet winches on the 461 for the 105%. They are not in a great place to grind if your having to do a lot of it. So we ended up leading the sheets up to the big electric winches. If you do this straight from the cars the sheets rub away at the gelcoat so lead from jib winch up onto big winch. Down side is you have to get the mainsheet off on one tack for a while. 

Only 5th sail for us on the 461 but I am kind of wishing we had the self tacker for the tight and busy solent. It would be a lot easier! Another future upgrade on the list! 

Once outside the Solent I’d switch to the Genoa which even though only marginally bigger gave a nicer set, especially once the wind came aft.

I miss the Genoa on a 418 for longer passages but the leach Batten’s help on the self tacker and there is no easy way to fit tracks for a Genoa on a 418 (although I’ve seen some fitted on a Facebook post recently. 

https://www.myhanse.com/controlling-the-jib-downwind_topic10476_post88083.html?KW=jib#88083" rel="nofollow - https://www.myhanse.com/controlling-the-jib-downwind_topic10476_post88083.html?KW=jib#88083

Unfortunately for you guys, it may need a bit more planning, but the result is worth it.

Thanks 

we love the self-tacker, but you need at least 8 kn of wind. 

We have added a furling Gennaker for light winds and feel that this is the right combination.

Fair winds

We used to be able to sail badly to spill wind save reefing, but with the new sails that wont happen and we'll reef early and reap the benefits.

Certainly our code 0 is a game changer and because we sail short handed and I do all the deck work, I've had a Facnor 4500+ top down furler fitted and I can sit in front of the mast and furl it in as my partner eases the sheet. To let out I switch the furler the other way and grab the working sheet on the way back to the cockpit.

I've also replaced the Raymarine Autopilot and that in performance mode it tacks reasonably slowly enabling use to complete all these tasks without pressure.

In my opinion its not worth going to something like a 105.   If you are going to get a light air sail, get a code zero or an asymetrical.      We have done 10kts with our 575 with the self-tacking jib and a reefed main.   In 8kts of wind, the boat sails very well.   Could we go faster with a bigger headsail?  Probably.  It might be useful from 5kts to about 9kts of wind speed but then the jib would be fine from there on.

Unless you are racing, get a code zero.   Having a genoa doesn't seem worth the cost for the times its actually needed.