Sail shape and control

[sailorjerrytoo]

I have a 1978 26' C & C yacht. I have struggled with batten adjustment on the sail, and have a hard time getting shape, especially at low wind speeds. The battens lay flat and the roach has no shape to it.

I noticed yesterday that there is a line running inside the leech of the sail, that when pulled on does cause the roach to form up better. This control line is not long enough to affix to anything (at least until I tied another length to it).

Does anyone have any suggestions on the Velcro batten end flaps, or any idea what the control on the sail is to be used for and its proper use. I have never had this control on a sail before.

Thanks

Jerry

 

[Barnacle Bill]

The line running through the trailing edge of your mainsail "hem" is called a leech line and it is used to stop any flutter that might manifest. If you pull it too hard, it will cup the trailing edge and that is not desired. But, this line has no affect on battens.
I assume you have a full battened mainsail. If not, there is no adjustment to the battens. They just sit in the pockets and make the roach straight to help create that wing affect.
If you have full battens and the battens are not too stiff, you can apply bend in the sail (draft) by securing the velcro closure tighter rather than looser.
If your battens are too stiff, then it might make the sail more like a sheet of plywood rather than having the flexibility to enable a curve in the sail more like a wing.

 

[sailorjerrytoo]

Thanks for the information.

My battens are nof full, but they do extend past 50% of the sail. As best as I know, full battens extend all the way to the luff. I would guess the longest of mine is around 4 feet.

And you are correce, my sail cups right up to the inside end of the batten and then is flat as a sheet of plywood on out. I think I will take them out and do some tests, and then start trying something very light to start with and work my way up. I think I could make some temp ones out of some plastic siding. Misght also try adding some taper.

But thanks again, I appreciate it

Jerry