sail shape, roach

[Johnston Jeff]

I am ordering new sails for my H25.5. I have decided to go with two full battens at the top on my main which will give me a fuller roach. I noticed that one guy on my dock has his roach cut so that it overlaps his backstay. he has a nice full sail for those light days but also on said days he has to pop the main past the backstay by hand. Also the 25.5 tends to be a tender boat. how much roach do I want and what about backstay overlap.Jeff JohnstonStockton lake MO

 

[Tom H.]

Get a solid vang

And get rid of the back stay. Best thing you can do to any boat, in my opinion.

 

[Jim]

Topping Lift, Yes.....Back Stay, No

I think Tom is referring to the Topping Lift, not the Back Stay...I had a new sail made with a bigger roach and sometimes there isn't enough wind to push it past the back stay. The only time this happens is when I race because I won't sail in that quiet weather. If you have 3 knots of wind it will push it threw.