Updating Main Sail - HOw Much Difference would it make?

[karl010203]

Hey All,

Love this new site how good is this! Love it. Thanks

I would love to learn how much difference you reckon replacing a 10 year old Mainsail would make?

It is in good condition but certainly not tight or crisp... if anyone out there has gone through this exercise I would love to learn how much difference it made, especially to pointing ability.

Not in it to race but certainly interested in a bit more cruising performance.

Thanks All

Karl

[storm petrel]

Hi Karl,
I am picking up a new 'loose footed' main this week so I will let you know how it performs in a couple of weeks. My old main was quite blown out and had a heap of patches and repairs, so I am hoping the new one will be much better. But I really will not know until I bend the new one on and get Storm Petrel out in the ocean in some breeze again. Heres hoping.....
Cheers,
Mark

[Tales]

Hi Karl,
Went through this exercise last year with a baggy old main.
I used to wonder why all the techniques in the sailing books did not seem to work ie hauling on the main sheet to flatten the sail when the wind got up a bit.
First results were dissapointing with the new sail but I discovered I had to relearn all the old dodges I had been using to get the most of a blown out sail.
A new main will flatten out quite nicely when the wind gets up and helps no end however in light conditions I have found it necessary to lift the boom a bit with the topping lift to get a bit of shape into it (and have the crew on the lee side!)
Don't think I go any better in light conditions but a much more usable sail in every other way.
Cheers,
Tom

[auriga]

Karl,

I just recently updated my main from a very tired old one

Ive found i can point a fair bit higher, and may have added a smidgen more speed. At the end of the day for under a $1,000 (depending on your preference) i think its money well spent.

[karl010203]

THanks all.

I got a quote last year and didn't proceed but had the sailmaker contact me recently to say there was a 10% discount on all quotes generated last year. Makes it tempting.

Will have to ponder further.