Are your sails worn out?
Paul, A sailmaker is best qualified to evaluate your sails' condition. If you need to replace the sails you will need a sailmaker anyway so why not get one involved by checking your existing sails? Basically as a sail ages and wears out it starts to stretch in some areas and shrink in others. The sail will not retain its original shape. Typically the sail will get deeper and the draft or deepest point will move aft. Genoa leeches will need a lot of leech chord to keep them from fluttering. This reduces the performance of the sail. Also the sailcloth will get softer(stretchier) and the stitching will start to beak in spots. Try breaking the thread to see if it is rotten. Take a picture of the sail flying to study its shape. Bill Colombo, Doyle SF
