Pros and Cons of Full Battens, Etc.
Chris, Full Battens have pros and cons. Basically the big advantage of having full battens is that they add longevity to the sail by limiting the amount damage caused by flogging and luffing. Also the sail will flake on the boom neatly. The disadvantages are extra weight, extra cost, and the possibility that the compression caused by the full battens results in the luff slides sticking in the track, making the sail difficult to raise and lower. For these reasons we offer the 2+2 and feel it is a good compromise since it reduces the weght of the two longest, lower battens, yet still has full battens up top where most of the worst flogging occurs. I really like loose footed mains and you will continue to see more and more of them. They have a wider range of adjustment i.e. they can get both flatter and fuller than a standard foot mainsail. The loose foot also offers more options in term of rigging reef lines and preventers etc. I have heard that some people use the standard foot to catch rainwater in dry climates but that's what watermakers are for... Thanks, Bill Colombo Doyle Sailmakers
