reefing a carbon / laminated genoa using a furler

I think you need to ask the sailmaker about this.

I do know that Mylar is far less UV susceptible than polyester and that many regard roller furling as kinder to a laminated sail than constantly being taken off and put on.

In any case you'll not get the life-span out of it that you'd expect from a textile sail.
 
Unless it is cut completely flat, which would make it useless as a sail, it will crease when furled. The belly of the sail will mean there is too much material to furl in the number of turns the edges of the sail need.

I have a laminate furling foresail but its not a sexy carbon thing - just a cruising laminate. With a padded luff it furls reasonably well but there still are creases in it. Lasted 4 years so far without problems inc winter racing to 12 months use per year. Surprisingly it hasnt suffered from the mildew that laminates are reputed to get.

With a full on racing sail without the tafetas on the surface you might not be so lucky, but maybe Wilkinsons sails who often come on here will be able to give you better info than I can.

I shall still be jealous of your carbon sail.:p:p. I mean its like having one of those 10 foot diameter carbon wheels at the back of your boats. Kool!!
 
r_h said:
I think there are two ways of looking at this aspect. The overall lifespan of a Dacron sail will be longer, but it will loose its designed shape much sooner than a laminate sail.
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A fruitful field of discussion.

To summarise, whilst a laminate sail remains completely shape-stable and ideal for a limited range of winds, a cunningly cut textile sail, of GOOD-QUALITY yarn, will react to wind-differences and can be a far more effective means of propulsion, as well as lasting 12-15 years.

Most textile foresails are cross cut cheap polyester and not worth bending on the forestay, losing shape within 3 seasons.
 
simonfraser said:
my dacron genoa has several creases in when partially furled.

at present it has a UV strip which the new genoa will not have.

does a strong crease affect the laminated sail, i guess it does . . .

will it crease less without the UV strip ? ( i'l use a sock )
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There are different types of laminate sail, so I think this is one for the sailmaker. You need to be honest with them as to your use of the sail, and the abuse it is likely to to take, and then listen to their reccomendations.
 
simonfraser said:
my dacron genoa has several creases in when partially furled.

at present it has a UV strip which the new genoa will not have.

does a strong crease affect the laminated sail, i guess it does . . .

will it crease less without the UV strip ? ( i'l use a sock )
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I have a carbon roller furling headsail, piccie attached. I've also had woven headsails on past boats. I'm going to have some fun in this thread :D as I'm going to disagree with lots of what has been said, and probably get shouted at, but ho hum...

does a strong crease affect the laminated sail, i guess it does . . .
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It won't do it any good, so avoid it by having a foam luff. You can get to about 2/3 reduction in area with a foam luff before the shape suffers too much.

will it crease less without the UV strip ? ( i'l use a sock )
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It will just generally be a better sail without a UV strip - less weight and shape-detrimental thick layer where you don't want it. If you are going to the expense of a carbon sail then, as you say, use a sock.

I do know that Mylar is far less UV susceptible than polyester
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Mylar film is susceptible to UV degradation. It's the carbon strips that are less susceptible, but once the Mylar goes, the sail is dead.

In any case you'll not get the life-span out of it that you'd expect from a textile sail.
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My laminate main lasted 9 years and had excellent shape until the end. When they go, they go suddenly and irreparably. It exploded into strips flapping in the wind. A woven sail will last just about forever, but will be losing its shape from day one. An old woven main will still hold together, but be a useless shape for anything other than downwind.

a cunningly cut textile sail, of GOOD-QUALITY yarn, will react to wind-differences and can be a far more effective means of propulsion
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Well that's an interesting opinion, but not one I've ever heard before. Trimarans are effective means of propulsion in the sailing world, and virtually never have woven sails. Woven cloths stretch more than laminate, that's well known. And stretch is not good, so I can't see how it can be a better sail.

as well as lasting 12-15 years
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A 15 year old woven sail that has been well used will not be an effective means of propulsion.
 
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AngusMcDoon said:
I'm going to have some fun in this thread :D as I'm going to disagree with lots of what has been said, and probably get shouted at, but ho hum...

.
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Didn't read a single contentious opinion. I'd particularly agree with the comment about uv strips - the laminate on my boat has a UV strip of both sides thanks to a previous owner who didnt know left from right apparently. And the strips definitely have a bad effect on the leach of an otherwise excellent sail - and make it very prone to flutter.
 
Our North Radian sail is a similar design to AngusMcDoon's Carbon sail. As stated earlier it does help with a foam luff. I left North's to design and build the sails and it came with a foam luff. Sets brilliantly. Also have a separate cover which gets hoisted by the spinnaker halliard. The original sails had a UV strip and this used to flutter unless the leach line was tight but this used to hook the leach of the sail :(

North Sails Here

Vertical battens also help to keep everything under control
 
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