My old but good sails

[Camerons Macgregor]

After saving my Macgregor Venture 24 from the junk yard crusher and beginning the restoration process, I began to thoroughly examine all piece parts and taking inventory. The sails and rigging were in practically timecapsule shape, (the #2 reason why I took on the project - the Emaculate Hull was #1). My question to our expert is, "How much excess stretch near the luff of the Main (mostly the midsection) is exceptable"? The sail material is in great shape and the seams are strong and tight. Yes these are the original 1970 sails!!

 

[Bill Colombo]

Old but Good

Cameron,Sails are like tires on a car; if you don't use them they don't wear out. So if the cloth is still in good shape it shouldn't be too stretched out. 30 year old sailcloth is technically not as advanced as what is available today, but should still serve you well. Also in the seventies sails were not designed using today's computer technology which has revolutionized sail design and analysis. If you are looking at an excessively stretched area in the sail you might have a problem. Usually only enough halyard to pull out wrinkles is sufficient. Perhaps someone mistakenly overtightened the main halyard and damaged the cloth. The important thing is that the sail should be smooth. You can always take a digital photo and e-mail it to me if you think there is unwanted distortion.Thanks,Bill ColomboDoyle Sails