Sailing VesselNellie
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Systems & Procedures

Sail Plan

Which sails to fly for any wind speed and angle — Code K, Genoa, Blade Jib and reefing.

Code K limit: never fly the Code K above 12 kt apparent wind. Reef early — reef the main first, then change headsails.

Warning: Updated limit: the Code K maximum is now 12 kt apparent wind. The chart below still shows the older 15 kt limit — follow 12 kt.

Nellie optimal sail plan chart: apparent wind angle 0 to 180 degrees against apparent wind speed 0 to 50 knots, showing the recommended sail combination for each zone.
Tap the chart to open it full size.

Quick reference — apparent wind

Point of sailAWALightModerateStrong
Upwind0–50°Genoa + Main (6–18 kt)Blade Jib + Main (18–35 kt)Reefed Main + Blade Jib (35–40+ kt)
Close reach50–90°Genoa + Main (8–20 kt)Blade Jib + Main (20–35 kt)Reefed Main + Blade Jib (> 40 kt)
Reach80–140°Genoa + Main (15–30 kt)Blade Jib + Main (30–40 kt)Reefed Main + Blade Jib or heave-to (> 40 kt)
Broad reach90–150°Code K + Main (5–12 kt)Genoa + Main (12–30 kt)Blade Jib + Main (> 30 kt)
Downwind140–180°Both poled — Genoa + Code K (0–12 kt)Genoa poled only (12–25 kt)Genoa poled or wing-on-wing (25–35 kt); no poles above 35 kt

Key rules for Nellie

  1. Code K limit — never use the Code K in more than 12 kt apparent wind.
  2. Light air downwind — pole out both Genoa and Code K in 0–12 kt for maximum drive and stability.
  3. Approaching 12 kt — get ready to drop the Code K before the wind builds past the limit.
  4. Above 12 kt downwind — drop the Code K. Use the poled Genoa or wing-on-wing.
  5. Reef early — follow Kraken guidance to keep the boat balanced and comfortable.

Main reefing guide (in-mast furling)

ReefApparent wind
No reefUp to ~13–15 kt (depending on sea state)
1st reef~15–23 kt
2nd reef~23–33 kt (or earlier if overpowered)
3rd reef> 33–40 kt
  • Keep the boat balanced — reef the main first, then change headsails
  • In strong winds, pair the reefed main with the Blade Jib

Heavy weather

  • Above 35 kt downwind — no poles: furled headsail, reefed main, or heave-to
  • Above 40 kt — sail conservatively with reefed main and Blade Jib, or heave-to
  • Above 45 kt — storm configuration or heave-to

Notes

  • AWS and AWA are apparent values at the boat
  • Boundaries are approximate — they depend on sea state, crew, boat loading, and performance vs. comfort
  • Use telltales, heel, and helm balance to fine-tune choices