I need a new main for my H27,and I am told that an open foot main is the way to go. I would appreciate any comments on an open foot sail as to it's advantages and/or disadvantages. Tnx Carter
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loose footed mains
The advantage of a loose-footed main is a greater ability to give the sail extra draft when sailing off the wind. The disadvantage is that it doesn't direct laminar flow all the way to the foot in light air, so there will be a bit of spilling as compared to a sail with a shelf. The bottom line is probably this: if you're the type of guy who likes to set his outhaul once at the beginning of a sail and then leave it alone, don't get a loose-footed main. If you're a sail tweaker who adjusts for shape every time the wind changes, go loose-footed. I'm a tweaker myself, and I wouldn't have anything other than a loose-footed main.
The advantage of a loose-footed main is a greater ability to give the sail extra draft when sailing off the wind. The disadvantage is that it doesn't direct laminar flow all the way to the foot in light air, so there will be a bit of spilling as compared to a sail with a shelf. The bottom line is probably this: if you're the type of guy who likes to set his outhaul once at the beginning of a sail and then leave it alone, don't get a loose-footed main. If you're a sail tweaker who adjusts for shape every time the wind changes, go loose-footed. I'm a tweaker myself, and I wouldn't have anything other than a loose-footed main.
shelf for light air
I have a loose footed main on my Legend 37 and the sailmaker included a shelf the pops up when the outhaul is eased for light air. Works great. Can send pictures assuming Frances does not zap us (I live on the coast in central Flordia).
I have a loose footed main on my Legend 37 and the sailmaker included a shelf the pops up when the outhaul is eased for light air. Works great. Can send pictures assuming Frances does not zap us (I live on the coast in central Flordia).
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