Genoa

An overlapping headsail whose clew extends abaft the mast when sheeted.

Genoa size is conventionally expressed by comparing its luff perpendicular, or LP, with the foretriangle base measurement J. A 150 per cent genoa has an LP equal to 1.5 times J; this does not mean that exactly half of the sail’s area overlaps the mainsail.

Its sheets normally lead aft around the shrouds to adjustable fairleads or cars. Genoas may be hanked on, set in a foil or roller-furled, and their useful wind range and reefing performance depend on sail design, rig, sea state and the furling system rather than on the name alone.