new mainsail

[kieronriley]

I am going to buy a new mainsail and would like to know your opinions,i do a bit of club racing and then cruising but even then i always want the best the bot can do.I have an M.G 30 long keel,now should i get a tri radial cut or a cross cut fully battoned or not and loose footed or bolt rope,i am thinking of a cruiser racer crosscut with a loose foot what do you think thanks all ,Kieron /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[smth448]

I would go for a laminate sail as it will retain a reasonable sail shape much longer than a woven dacron sail. Of course the ultimate life of the sail will be less. It will probably fall to bits in 7 years time, but modern laminates with taffeta covering are much moe durable than they used to be.
I would definitely go for a tri-radial cut as it allows the fibres in the cloth to be more accurately aligned witht he loads in the sail. You get a more stable sail that lasts longer, but will cost more.
Full battens will stop it flogging so much which will make the sail last longer but can cause chafe problems against the shrouds so that one is up to personal preferrance really.

Good luck and push the sailmaker hard on price. Try to get a sail that is actually made in this country too.

 

[jb2006]

I think a cruiser racer cross cut sounds fine - I would get a loose foot , you can bring the kite down through the mail slot if the weather blows up.

Talk to your sailmaker about materials - we have ended up with a Dacron main for similar use to yours and are very happy so far - 1 season of club racing and cruising.