would someone please explain foam luffs for me please

[ShipsWoofy]

following on from another post about adding pipe lagging to roller-boom main..

When I bought my genny a few years back, it was offered, I turned it down as I don't really understand how it makes a difference and I am not sure it will make a big impact as I have a bridle set forestay and getting the curve out when it gets blowy is impossible. I am not sure £100 worth of foaming is going to add anything better.

I just don't see how padding up the rolled away sail makes a difference to that which is unfurled. Maybe you will consider me being dense about this, possibly, but no one has ever explained to me how the foam works.

 

[lenseman]

A good answer to your question can be found at:

http://www.sailjazz.com/editorial/read/144

Basically, when the sail is roller furled, the extra foam [foam luff] causes the central part of the reefed sail to 'wind-in' on a larger diameter causing the sail to take out the deep cut of the sail and allows the boat to point up into the wind before that sail starts to luff.

 

[bobgoode]

Sails are cut with more material towards their centre to give them shape. The foam luff is thicker in the middle of the luff so as the sail is rolled the excess material is rolled away from this area first, thus keeping the body of the sail flatter.

Get one , they work !

 

[MoodySabre]

Perhaps, when it gets windy you could go forward and clip a bit of pipe insulation on the roller foil before you reef the genoa. Tres chic!

 

[roger]

Fitting pipe insulation

I love the thought of trying to fit pipe insulation 5 or more metres above the deck while standing at the bow with the wind getting up - or have you got throw away crew?

 

[PetiteFleur]

Re: Fitting pipe insulation

They definitely work - I had one on my Jaguar 27 and it set well when reefed - unlike my current boat which is baggy when reefed!