Loose Footed Sails

[Peter Milne]

When I took our H430 sails in for cleaning and a tune-up, the sail maker asked me if I had considered making the main loose footed?The sail maker claims that it will increase the performance of the main markedly. Any other comments or views?What About my Dutchman System? Will it work on a loose footed sail?ThanksPeter Milne S/V Blue Heron

 

[Doug T.]

Loose-footed sails

We just bought a loose-footed sail from North Sails for our '77 Hunter 27. I really like it. I'm not sure how to compare the performance because our old (non-loose-footed) sail was 24 years old. However, it certainly gives you a wider range of shape possibilities when using the outhaul.(It's also easier to remove when it's time to haul the boat *sigh* -- what GREAT sailing we had on Sat.... too bad the season's over.)

 

[Steve Dion]

Dutchman is fine on loose footed sail.

Pete:I was aboard a Santa Cruz 52 on a delivery crew from Hawaii to San Deigo last year. This boat did in fact have that arrangement, a loose footed main with a dutchman system. It worked fine. Would have been a real pain in the ass without the dutchman on such a large sail. I believe that they DO NOT have the Dutchman on their racing sail.

 

[Bryce]

loose footed sail

Have had the sail on my 410 "loose footed" for the past two seasons. Better downwind and low wind performance due to better sail shape.BryceS/V SpellbinderH410