Loose Footed Main

[Bilgewater]

Mid-winter doldrum wonderings: I have a 95 h26, and wonder if there would be any advantage to rigging the main sail loose footed, rather than putting the bolt rope in the boom. Might there be better control of the draft of the sail if the entire foot could move freely? But, would doing so put too much strain on the clew? What do you think?

 

[Ed Schenck]

Only your sail loft knows for sure. It seems unlikely that the clew is not sufficiently strong. Still I would show it to a sailmaker and get a professional opinion. There might be other factors. My North main is loose-footed and has exactly the advantage that you cite. But I have no "clew" what the other differences in design might be.

 

[JoeWhite]

When tacking the bolt rope will get cough in the groove where the bolt rope was at. And yes loose foot is a better sailing main. I baught a new main with loose foot - I had bolt rope before. It works better specially when there is a strong wind.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Cannot agree with Joe on his point that the foot will catch in the boom slot. The slot is only slightly wider than the sail cloth. I don't see how the bolt rope is going to catch.

 

[Dennis Kitchen]

I've considered the same for my 23.5...haven't tried it yet though. Because some draft is built into the sail at the bottom by the bolt rope I doubt you'll have heavy air advantage of being able to completly flatten sail with out haul but for very light air you probably can induce more draft with the foot loose. If you have a chance to try it let us know.

 

[dewhunter]

I have a loose footed main on my 95 h26 and I like the way I can change the shape of the sail for wind conditions. Really easy to power up in light air and reef in higher winds and still have good sail shape. Seeing as I don't have a traveler, any extra sail tweeking is most welcome. G.