18SE vs 18SX sail question

So I was just browsing the FAQ on this subject and had a question about the sail areas between the two. The FAQ says the standard 18 has a mast length of 28'1" and a sail area of 240 square feet. The SX has a mast length of 29'7" and a sail area of 220 square feet. I believe that the booms are the same on both boats, though I am just speculating on this.

Is this correct? A shorter mast has a bigger sail area? Does the SX have a taller mast, yet a narrower sail? I always thought the SX was a bit of an improved version of the classic 18, but with a smaller sail area does that make it slower than a standard 18. Is the sail cut more efficiently? Sorry I'm an engineer and have to analyze everything to death.

Thanks so much,

Adam

I am not an engineer....ask the Matts or Rich or Caleb or Chip or Dan or Brian J, who know more than I.

My understanding is that the SX sail is skinnier but taller, and 'up there' is where the 'good' wind is. It is also a radial cut sail, instead of panels, which means the draft is different etc.
More sq footage does not necessarily mean more power/speed, it's how that 'shape/size' is used.

More opinions please, we're all here to learn....

Good winds, and Happy July 4th to our US friends.
We had a wonderful Canada Day yesterday, saw the Queen on Parliament Hill, and later, the tremendous fireworks display. Great to live in the Nation's Capital.

_________________
2015 H16, with spin,
SOLD 1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947 "In Theory..."
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'

That's kind of what I figured, that they made a more efficient sail. That larger sail area might mean more power, but could also mean more drag which would negate the power.

The SX rig was a Mylar taller shorter foot sail. The SE was a horizontal cut dacron fatter sail.

The SX is what is described as a "Higher aspect sail as compaired to the SX. This trend has been brought to the extent in the A-cat and F-18 boats in the more up top more power ratio's. Now the F-18's have gone to a max measurement on the top of the sails to keep the Heads of the sail from getting too big. Some of the A-cats are almost a complete rectangle when rigged.

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Rich Vilvens
F-18 5150
[email protected]
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/f-185150sailing/

HOBIE 18
BATTEN #10 24 1/8”
BATTEN #9 39 1/16”
BATTEN #8 56 5/16”
BATTEN #7 68 13/16”
BATTEN #6 79 5/16”
BATTEN #5 87 5/16”
BATTEN #4 93 7/8”
BATTEN #3 97 5/16”
BATTEN #2 101 5/16”
BATTEN #1 101 5/16”

HOBIE 18SX
BATTEN #9 28 1/2”
BATTEN #8 46 1/8”
BATTEN #7 67 7/8”
BATTEN #6 83 5/16”
BATTEN #5 93 7/8”
BATTEN #4 100 9/16”
BATTEN #3 103 3/4”
BATTEN #2 104 11/16”
BATTEN #1 102 11/16”

Over 4" bigger on the top and bigger as it rolls up.

_________________
Rich Vilvens
F-18 5150
[email protected]
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/f-185150sailing/