A fresh sail the same general size as what you have will be flatter and
better shaped. so it will behave better in higher winds than an old
bagged sail that may have never had a really optimal shape, even when
new. The difference in a new well designed sail compared to an old sail
can be very dramatic.
I single hand frequently and solved all my problems with a truly
reefable genoa from Kappa Sails in Westbrook, CT. They have patents on
it. The sail is made in graduated weight cloth so when you roll out to a
100%, it is just the heaviest cloth exposed, and as you roll out to a
130 and a 150%, the clothe is thinner. The sausage that is on the
forestay when partially rolled up, is the thinnest cloth and has
structure that keeps the sail shape good at all stages of furling. There
have been a few other companies that have tried, this idea, but none of
them worked quite as well as this one. The founder of Kappa Sails, who
designed many high performance sails, was Clarke Basset. He also
designed and built sails for America's cup 12 meter boats. Clarke died
recently, but one of his long time employees bought the business and is
still producing sails under Clarke's many patents.
Bill Bina
On 12/2/2016 7:20 AM, bushmark4--- via CnC-List wrote:
Hi all, I have a question about short handed sailing for short
distances, like when you only have an hour or two and want to go out.
On such occasions, I am typically by myself; I know many of us do
that. So, when such an opportunity arises what sail combination would
you typically use? We're in a generally light wind area, the Ohio
River; and we seem to have weather patterns somewhat similar to the
Chesapeake weather. I frequently use headsail only, my boat having a
140%. This is more than adequate for most weather and too much if the
wind pipes up; however, the boat (1985 37 CB) tracks very well and I
can sail reasonably close to the wind ( not racing, unless, of course,
there's another boat in sight...). The 140 can be a real bear in
anything above 15....
I am looking at replacing the headsail and the collective wisdom seems
to be to reduce the size of the headsail to 125% or even down to 100%,
for the purpose of easier handling and tacking. My question is; does
reducing the headsail size affect the ability to sail with the
headsail only on these short sails? Or will I need to begin using the
main all the time? Will I suffer performance in those summer months,
like July and August, when we are happy to get 5-10 mph winds?
Many thanks
Richard
S/V Bushmark4; 1985 C&C 37 CB, Ohio River, mile 596
Richard N. Bush
2950 Breckenridge Lane, Suite Nine
Louisville, Kentucky 40220-1462
502-584-7255
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_______________________________________________
This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish to
make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to:
https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
_______________________________________________
This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish to
make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to:
https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
