Sails for the San Juan 23 have been developed using primarily our proven designs from the San Juan 24. Although many San Juan 23 sailors are not interested in racing, most of you would still like to get maximum performance in your cruising and occasional race that we are all likely to enter once in a while. Here are some ideas that will help you get the maximum performance from your boat and sails:

The San Juan 23 is designed to have up to 12" of rake in the mast when floating level on her waterline. This is an approximate measurement and you will be in the ballpark by tightening the backstay so that ½" of threads are showing on the top and ½" of threads are on the toggle side of the turnbuckle. Then adjust the forestay turnbuckle for the proper headstay sag, but more on that later. The shrouds should be fairly tight, so that the leeward shrouds are snug when the boat heels 20°. Sight up the mast and adjust the shrouds to give a straight mast or a slight amount of leeward sideways bend at the tip. These adjustments are most easily done by adjusting the leeward shrouds, tacking, looking at mast, adjust the leeward shrouds, tack, etc.

Since it is possible to induce only a small amount of mast bend, the luff is cut fairly flat and shape is produced by broadseaming. As the wind increases, pull the cunningham to bring the draft forward to 35-45% back from the mast. You will find that by removing the horizontal wrinkles you will be very close. The outhaul should be adjusted so the sail has 6" or so of belly in light air upwind and downwind in most airs, and pull on all the way as the wind increases and the boat’s heel approaches 20°. Trim the mainsheet so that the uppermost batten is almost parallel to the boom or slightly falling off to leeward. A tell tale on the leech at the top batten can tell you whether the sail is sheeted too tightly and "stalling out" up top.

The jib should be used in breezes that produce over 25° angle of heel. The mainsail may be reefed according to wind strength, however the 23 should always be sailed with less than 25° angle of heel. One method of "depowering" the headsail is to move the sheet lead aft and let the top of the jib twist off, even to the point of luffing.

The headstay should be tightened to get approximately 5-6" sag when sailing to weather in medium breezes. A tighter headstay will produce a flatter sail with the draft further forward. Tighten the halyard tension to move the draft forward or loosen it to move the draft aft. Generally a looser halyard will give you better pointing ability, but you should try to keep the draft 35-40$ back from the luff.

Sheet tension and sheet leads should be adjusted so that the sail luffs evenly when sheeted in for windward work. Generally the genoa should be sheeted 2-3" off the spreader and the body of the sail should parallel the outer shroud from the spreader to the chainplate. It may be sheeted more tightly for flat water.

The Clark tri-radial spinnaker has been designed for all around off wind performance. We also offer a highly popular cruising (poleless) spinnaker that is attached to the bow fitting and hoisted and flown much like a genoa.

We are committed to providing top quality and service with excellent delivery times at reasonable cost. Our extensive patterns and proven designs assure you of the finest sails for your San Juan 23. May we be your sailmaker?

January, 1983