Hi folks we're in the process of entirely refitting our Sm2K and are getting close to ordering sails. 

Question: what is the standard (or alternately, recommended) headsail inventory for an SM2K? 158% genoa, matching asymmetric spinnaker/gennaker, balloner, and possibly a smaller 90% jib for heavy weather sailing is what we're thinking.

Thoughts?

Rick Stanley
S/V Althea
SM2K #317
Rock Hall, MD

Hi Rick,
Regarding the smaller jenny --instead of a 90% I'd recommend maybe a 105 or 110% because 1) you can furl it even smaller and then go to a super reefed main as a tri-sail before going to survival mode and 2) it is surprisingly versatile.  It is very difficult to change the genoa in route and a real production even at anchor or dock, given uncertainty in forecasts and "head and shoulder effects--where the wind gradually builds and subsides it is not that functional.  If you are sailing with your regular genoa and then the wind builds and you need a smaller one there is almost no way you are going to douse the old one and fly the new one and vice versa.  We used a 110 100% of the time in the Med for 5+ years and it was fantastic.  Did I mention that we used it 100% of the time there?  The Med has a reputation for too much or too little wind.  In too little wind you still only lose a knot or so and in less wind you are motor-sailing.  With too much wind it does fine and seldom needs to be furl-reefed.  It also is good for those acceleration zones between caribbean islands yet gives you enough size to keep pace in the lee of an island before the next acceleration zone.  Some like the 105 or 110 as high-cut.

2 other thoughts. 1)consider Hydranet sails as it sounds like you want something bomb-proof. 2)consider keeping or patching up your mizzen sail if it is not too bad (still get a new mizzen sail)  The shape is not that critical as don't want to use it close-hauled and because it is not your new sail you can lay it against the shrouds as you go down wind without worrying too much messing up its looks.  Also you can leave it out when you want to fight rolling at anchor.  Unlike the other larger sails it can be replaced underway when you eventually blow it out.  A spare mizzen sail can be used as a main replacement if you blow the main out and you can preform quite well by flying them together.

Finally i would check with Emrah at Q-Sails in Turkey as his quality and prices are good (we had ours delivered with no issues to Aruba).    He has some pdfs that are specific to Amel SMs that are worth taking a look at.

Bob, KAIMI SM429