Mainsail Technology

The AE 33 and 38's large, ellipitical mainsail means more light air power and better downwind performance

A Better Aerodynamic Solution

A distinctive feature of this yacht is the fully roached mega mainsail, made possible by the elimination of the backstay, which the amazing strength of modern carbon fiber now safely allows. Many do not realize that the triangular sail shape that is forced by the backstay is actually the worst aerodynamic shape available, which is why you never see triangular wing tips on airplanes. Far better is the fully battened, elliptical shape favored by the new record setting wind surfers, multihulls and America's Cup contenders. As shown by the shaded areas in the diagram, a taller, fully roached main adds more area than a 150% genoa. When the assets of more area and better shape are added up aloft -where there's always more wind - remarkable new sail power results. Thus armed, the short handed day sailer can electrically add or subtract easily managed mainsail area quicker than even a large crew can change headsails. This means that this Alerion can achieve the kind of light wind, windward and downwind speed that was previously reserved for labor intensive large genoas and spinnakers.