A loose footed gardening question

[NigeCh]

As I'm ordained to gardening this W/E, it's going to be grumpy-grumps thinking time.

I need a new main for Birgitta (Contessa 26) ... So I'm going down the line of loose footed with the upper two battens being full, the 2nd being 2/3rds and the bottom being standard. (Note: This is mainly maths and the end plate 'shelf' effect is best ignored.) ... but should I have a look at a radial warp given that CO26's have a high aspect ratio mainsail and that fiber orientation can be used to advantage?

 

[Shanty]

Recently been through this myself, as I had to buy "Shanty" a new main. She's an Albin Ballad, with a similar high aspect ratio main. I also went for the 2+2 batten configuration, but chickened out of the loose foot - I went for a lens foot.

The sail is cross-cut in a high aspect cloth from Dimension Polyant - much less stretch vertically than horizontally. This was after discussion with the sailmaker, who recommended this combination.

I'm extremely pleased with the sail - great fun - when you pull the various strings, it changes shape just like the books say it should. Looks really bombproof too. It was made by Owen Sails near Oban. Very friendly, helpful, knowledgable folk - well worth getting them to quote if the planning gets that far.

 

[janie]

Our Ballad desperately needs a new main, but since we're in the process of replacing the 30 year old engine, it'll have to wait! Are you still on the boom roller reefing system, or converted to slab reefing? Interesting to read your findings.

 

[Shanty]

I've used both reefing systems in the past - much prefer slab reefing. When I bought "Shanty" she had the original roller reefing boom, but the end castings were both very worn. The surveyor recommended that they be repaired / replaced. Replacement castings are available, but at a price. Since I was planning on slab reefing, I went for a new boom from Z Spars. This has internal reefing lines & is a much better solution than fitting external lines to the old boom.

So, with all lines led aft, I can now reef without leaving the cockpit - a definite plus when sailing singlehanded. Its early days with the system, but so far, I'm pleased with it.

BTW, have you chosen your new engine yet? Shanty came with a new Beta Marine engine - recommended.

If you would like to know any more, get in touch.