Disconnected leech cord

[GKuffner]

The leech cord on my 3 year old genoa became disconnected from where it is normally anchored at the top of the sail. I pulled it all the way out as the end was protruding quite far. Could anyone tell me if this is something that I can fix myself or should I have a sail loft repair it. Normally I don't use it but there are certainly times when its needed.

Gary

 

[Bill Roosa]

DIY

Provided the line is long enough. It may have parted up near the attachment point and be too short. Standard Dacron line of the same diameter works fine.
As a technique I have found that constructing a tool that resembles a large diameter blunt needle works best. 1/4" wood dowel rounded off on both ends and then lash the line to the BOTTOM end of the line.
Cut a slit just big enough for the tool and line above the attachment point. Thread the line down the length of the leach till you get to the clew. Then sew over the new line at the attachment point. you might want to remove the old line attachment stitching to make it easier to re-stitch.

 

[Don12364]

You need a bodkin. Make one from an old wire coat hanger. Straighten, form a long loop in one end, flatten the loop and tape it up. Pass the end of the leech line through the loop and spend a happy hour fiddling it all back through the sail.
The sailmaker would only do the same.
I feel it would be inadvisable to use the sail without the added support of the line, even though it is not tight.