Oceanmoves:
I probably should clarify that my TI's are not stock, I'm a tinkerer (to occupy my mind) and have a few minor mods on all my boats (nothing ever to the boat itself (hypocritic oath (just like doctors)
).
Here is my TI anchored off shore down by Islamadora, FL(in the Keys), where we recently spent a week there, we kept the boat moored off shore the whole week and went out sailing and snorkeling at least a couple times every day.
Keep in mind I have a boredom thresh hold of around 7 mph, If there is not enough wind I will fire up my motor and make my own wind (motor sailing). Currently I have the standard mainsail 90 sq ft, a 25 sq ft jib (used to be 40 sq ft but it's all torn up, and I have to keep cutting it smaller), and a 130 sq ft asymmetric spinnaker. Most of those sails are 3 yrs old now, almost totally worn out, thus the reason for me building all new sails (see below). (note: not the stock Hobie mainsail, Hobies sails are very well built, and last a very long time)
Actually some really good reading on sail efficiency can be found here (
http://smalltridesign.com/masts/rig-mast_options.html ). The TI's sails are type A (reference the article) and have an efficiency of around .85. I am in the process of re-fitting my entire boat with type E sails which have an efficiency of 1.9. Another great advantage is wing sails have very little healing (they don't try to push you over, so your AMA's don't bury as much in the water). I currently have everything designed, and am in the process of construction of all my new sails (I'm very excited). I have the 30 sq ft roto-furled jib wing sail nearly completed, and am beginning to construct my 130 sq ft rotofurled soft wing spinnaker as we speak (which will actually be more like a screacher). When done the boat will not look any different than the picture above, and won't take any longer to rig than currently.
Bob