Is my main blown out?

[Wanderer138]

Hi Don:If I ease the mainsheet on my 88 H23 until the leech telltales are flowing when going to weather, the leading edge of the sail luffs noticeably. The traveler is on center; cunningham and outhaul are tight, vang is off. Windpseed is 8-12 kts, and I have about 15 degrees of heel. I am also carrying the working jib (110%). What's the problem? Is my main just old and blown out? (I suspect it is). ThanksPeterH23 "Raven"

 

[Rob Rich]

jib oversheeted?

Sometimes having the jib oversheeted, or too tight, will cause it to direct air too close to the luff of the main, causing it to luff prematurely. This is most likely to happen when sailing close hauled, but as you can imagine, it can happen anytime. Just a guess. Good Luck!Rob

 

[Don Guillette]

Is my main Blown out

Peter: I had the same problem with my main this year and I took it to a sail maker and for $50 had a "nip and tuck" put in it. He said I'd get about 3 or 4 more years out of it.To get 100% efficiency, you have to use all your sail trim controls. In 5-15 knots, going to windward, the traveler should be on center, which yours is. The cunningham should be moderate but yours is tight. The outhaul should be fully tight and yours is. The vang should be snug but yours is off. In addition to the things you mentioned, there should be moderate tension on the mainsheet and moderate mast bend. I don't know why the leading edge of the would flutter. With a tight halyard and cunnigham, I don't see why that would be. Try the settings I suggest and see what happens. Unfortunately, space does not permit a discussion of WHY you are making the above adjustments but hopefully as the month goes on we'll get into the reasons why.