We are purchasing a new mainsail for our Legend 37.5. The main has a very large roach which will be incorporate for the new sail. The current main has 4 full length battens. We have owned the boat for 2 years and like the full battens - quiets the sails substantially. The sailmaker is proposing that the top two battens be full, with the bottom 3 at about 35% of what full length battens would have been. Positives with the shorter battens are better sail shape in light air, less friction when raising the (difficult to raise) mainsail, and the effort to raise the main will be further reduced because partial battens weigh less than full bettens. (I cannot imagine the slight reduction in weight because of reduced batten length will make any difference in sail raising effort.) My question is what are the negatives when going from full battens to partial battens in a big main sail?
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longevity
a sail with partial battens will not retain its shape as long as a sail with full battens will. depending on such factors as construction and materials, full batten sails will retain their shape up to twice as long as partially battened sails. funny that a sailmaker wouldn't mention this.
a sail with partial battens will not retain its shape as long as a sail with full battens will. depending on such factors as construction and materials, full batten sails will retain their shape up to twice as long as partially battened sails. funny that a sailmaker wouldn't mention this.
Coin Toss, Steve: Mixed Advice
I am considering a replacement of my main in my 40.5. On this site, the standard main offered is a 2 full and two partial (Doyle) with an option for a full batten. The Doyle site touts the 2+2 for the advantages you note. However, in a one-to-one with one of their reps, he said the two full lower battens will NOT affect sail shape-ability and recommended sticking with the full batten... which I intend to do, given the good performance on two boats with them. Rick D.
I am considering a replacement of my main in my 40.5. On this site, the standard main offered is a 2 full and two partial (Doyle) with an option for a full batten. The Doyle site touts the 2+2 for the advantages you note. However, in a one-to-one with one of their reps, he said the two full lower battens will NOT affect sail shape-ability and recommended sticking with the full batten... which I intend to do, given the good performance on two boats with them. Rick D.
And about reefing?
Having full battens all the way as I do, I wonder how the sail would reef with th partial battens in the lower area of the sail. As I recall, the full battens kinda hold the reefed portion of the sail in the cradle of lazy jacks.
Having full battens all the way as I do, I wonder how the sail would reef with th partial battens in the lower area of the sail. As I recall, the full battens kinda hold the reefed portion of the sail in the cradle of lazy jacks.
I had a conversion done
this past winter. Originally, I had partial battens throughout the sail. Now I have full battens in the two top and partials on the rest. The difference has been quite noticeable! I, also, have picked up about 2/10's of a knot compared to years past. The shape at the tope makes a BIG difference. Reefing and/or taking the sail down is not affected.
this past winter. Originally, I had partial battens throughout the sail. Now I have full battens in the two top and partials on the rest. The difference has been quite noticeable! I, also, have picked up about 2/10's of a knot compared to years past. The shape at the tope makes a BIG difference. Reefing and/or taking the sail down is not affected.
Full battens
First off, weight's not a real consideration when raising a full-batten mainsail v. a partial batten mainsail. The weight of the sail itself is more the consideration here. Second, full battens provide better shape on a main. Thing aerodynamics. A sail is an airfoil that converts lift to forward motion. Full battens allow a better airfoil shape. Third, full battens act as "spines" in your mainsail thus giving some reinforcement and preventing your main from "blowing out" sooner. In a sense, tho, it boils down to personal choice. I prefer full battens, ergo I have full battens. Reefing's not generally a problem and I'd also recommend you investigate the Strong Sailtrack System. It's absolutely the berries and I'll never have another boat without it. Hope this gives you some help. Bob.
First off, weight's not a real consideration when raising a full-batten mainsail v. a partial batten mainsail. The weight of the sail itself is more the consideration here. Second, full battens provide better shape on a main. Thing aerodynamics. A sail is an airfoil that converts lift to forward motion. Full battens allow a better airfoil shape. Third, full battens act as "spines" in your mainsail thus giving some reinforcement and preventing your main from "blowing out" sooner. In a sense, tho, it boils down to personal choice. I prefer full battens, ergo I have full battens. Reefing's not generally a problem and I'd also recommend you investigate the Strong Sailtrack System. It's absolutely the berries and I'll never have another boat without it. Hope this gives you some help. Bob.
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