tophatyachts.com

I have finally decided that my genoa is a little too large and a lot too baggy for windward sailing in the typical Port Phillip/Bass Strait seabreeze (18-20 kts). The original owner quoted it as a #1.5 (not excessive overlap) on the furler, and I also have a couple of #3's (which are too conservative for general sailing). I have had two re-cuts on the luff of the big sail, but that really does not take the belly out, and when partially furled the shape is even worse.
My best set-up for stronger winds is one reef in the main (sets well at that), but a flatter headsail would enable much better upwind performance which I find the Tophat does very well. So I am thinking about a crisp new #2 !!!
Does anyone (are you there Phillip?) have some dimensions for (MK2) Tophat headsails? It will be another week or so before I can get back to 'Kittiwake' to take the old sail off & measure. Also, ?preferences for sailmakers in Vic? I know a couple but interested to hear other's experiences.

.. .. Peter

Hello chief, I'm having difficulty posting a reply, even when I remove all the swear words and innuendo, but here goes...
Let's see if this uploads:

I give up. I can't be bothered anymore.

Can’t recommend a sailmaker for you but recommend that you get whoever to measure on your yacht.
That way he can recommend a pattern and cloth weight and type that will suit what you want to do.

Let's try again, wot! Peter I'm keen to buy your old Genoa if you want to sell it, because the only headsail I have looks 'orrible (see photo). I hope you can get a good 'un to suit your boat, whether from Sailrite or someone else. Best wishes chief, Cheerio.

Hi Peter,

The sail dimensions recommended by Formit are shown on a drawing which can be found in the gallery under Mark 3 Top Hats, sub-album Drawings. These sail dimensions are for Mark 3 and are almost certainly the same as for Mark 2 but you should measure your mast height to be sure. Of course you must consider if the dimensions have to be changed so the sheet leads are still OK when partially furled.
I agree that a furling No.2 is great for 15-20 knots but I wonder whether you would find it inadequate and frustrating in lighter winds. I would probable choose a No.1 (called a G1 on the drawing, not the Racing Genoa as that is enormous).
I cannot provide any recent reports on local sailmakers. One Top Hat owner bought a suit of (non-furling) headsails from Doyle in Port Melbourne about 15 years ago and was pleased with them. I have heard poor reports of local sailmakers but these related to mainsail covers rather than sails. The poor reports were largely due to the purchasers not getting what they expected, and slow service. Personally I would use Far East Sails, not just because of the lower price but because they will provide a detailed drawing showing exactly what you will get, which local sailmakers do not do as far as I know. I have never heard any bad reports of Far East Sails. A mate bought a furling headsail from them (not for a Top Hat) last year and has been very pleased with it.

Steve

I'd also suggest Far East Sails, I bought a mainsail from them last year for a Top Hat and I couldn't find any problems with it.
They provide a very thorough instruction PDF on how to measure for a new sail, its very detailed and fairly straightforward to follow.
Took me about 2 to 3 hours to accurately measure it, including many check-measures.
And now the AUD is getting stronger against the USD, it makes it even better value.
Worth getting a price of them as it's their winter and they are probably very keen to get any work,
Cheers