Finally its done.

[FullCircle]

The nail biting and decision deferring is over.

Full Circle will be fitted with new hankies in 3 weeks time.

After much humming and hawing, we decided to go with a reduced size Genoa, rather than a self tacking jib. It was a close run thing.
Not so close run was the choice of a fully battened main with Sailman4000 cars.
Given Sailorman (and others) experience of laminate mouldiness, we have gone for premium Dacron, so they will look new but not as whizzy as was under consideration.

So, I look forward to receiving Dolphin Sails finest and going forwards rather than sideways.

All I need to do now is to throw 1/2 a tonne of cruising **** over the side, and maybe it will move in less than 10 knots!

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Did you go for a parallel or tri-radial in the end?

 

[Sixpence]

Good to hear the news Jim, looking forward to some nice pretty pictures.

 

[FullCircle]

Did you go for a parallel or tri-radial in the end?

Cross cut in Dacron. I talked to North, Dolphin and Crusader who all agreed that there was no positive enhancement in Tri Radial cut until you go laminate, due to warp of Dacron .



Have also ordered Gennaker furling gear (bargain Boat Show discount) and a Selden Rodkicker.

All deliveries are due before the Laying Down Supper........

 

[Gargleblaster]

There has been a detailed discussion on the 'Petit Bateau' forum [forum for short handed* sailors - primarily interested in long distance racing]. The best advice on that was that unless you are into serious [very serious] racing and have unlimited funds or sponsorship Dacron or Vectran should be the only consideration. Laminated sails will not last and particularly don't like being reefed or furled. I think generally in the UK we refer to Dacron as Terylene.

*Has anyone every come across a long handed sailor?

 

[johnalison]

Laminated sails will not last and particularly don't like being reefed or furled. I think generally in the UK we refer to Dacron as Terylene.

My Terylene jib was knackered after two years (5,000 miles) and the main shortly after. My current laminated jib has done seven years and about 15,000 miles, much of it in force 5s & 6s. It had a bit of attention last winter, but still has an excellent shape. Being only 110% it furls well, actually better than the terylene one as it creases less readily.

The same conditions don't apply to mainsails, and my replacement main is some kind of rip-stop terylene and has given decent service for 5 years.

Normal Dacron sails can be perfectly good if well made, but I don't think they can be expected to hold their shape for as long as hi-tech sails in heavy use.

 

[Marmalade]

I'm just getting a repair done on the main - a laminate (pentex) sail I inherited when I bought the boat. The repair (Dolphin) is costing £400 and they are really circumspect about saying how long they think it will last. They recommend another laminate sail although we never race - have quoted £2150. This seems steep so we've gone for the repair but I'm interested in your views on laminates v dacron...

 

[FullCircle]

I'm just getting a repair done on the main - a laminate (pentex) sail I inherited when I bought the boat. The repair (Dolphin) is costing £400 and they are really circumspect about saying how long they think it will last. They recommend another laminate sail although we never race - have quoted £2150. This seems steep so we've gone for the repair but I'm interested in your views on laminates v dacron...

Hmm £2150 seems cheap for a laminate main..... mine, with all the bells and whistles was closer to £2500 plus VAT.

Fully Battened Mainsail inc 3 reefs Cross Cut Dacron 7.4 US 25.27Sqm £1367

Tri-radial double taffeta pentex laminate 90/60 cl diax lsp 25.27Sqm £2305 Single Line Reefing, 3 reefs blocks luff & leech £200

I eventually chose not to because there are still things I wanted for the boat, and 1200 quid went a long way.

I have bought a Crusader Magic Furl for my Cruising Chute (special cheeky cheap), and a lightly used spinnaker pole for 100 quid.

I also was concerned about mould growth, and not rolling it up off the boom , as it would sit in the stackpack at all times. I am sure it would have been a lovely sail to set and look at, but I have specified triple stitching and anti chafe too, for more offshore style ruggedness.

Am I right? I dunno. I am a professional decision taker and used to upsides and downsides, and eventually more was better.
Only time will tell.

 

[Athene V30]

The Dolphin Sails I put on Flipper were a great improvement. Will probably use them again before SWMBO see's what is left in the kitty!

 

[Koeketiene]

The Dolphin Sails I put on Flipper were a great improvement. Will probably use them again before SWMBO see's what is left in the kitty!

Good to hear some positive feedback - looks like Dolphin will be cutting Guapa's new sails too.

 

[Otter]

How much was the magic furl - something we were looking at (feel free to PM if needed!)

 

[FullCircle]

How much was the magic furl - something we were looking at (feel free to PM if needed!)

I got a Boat Show special price, before the Boat Show opened