Sails

[Flor Oyen]

Dear Steve,



After having explored the French, Belgian and Dutch waters near our
homeport, we're thinking of exploring the east and south coast of England.
This will mean longer distances and the engine (sails) will have to work
harder. That's why I would like to replace the mainsail.

I've got a quotation from Crusader Sails (very friendly people , even
offered a discount for the Vega-group without asking) but I'm unfamiliar
with their products .

Do you know what their sails are like and what model is preferable for
longer trips ? Full length battens? Three reefpoints?



Thanks for your help.



Kind regards,



Flor Oyen

"Mohana" V-566

Nieuwpoort - Belgium
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

 

[stevebirch2002]

Hi Flor

Crusader are now our preferred sailmaker. They know the Vega very well and
are good sailmakers.

I would prefer the following in a mainsail for prolonged cruising.

Mainsail with three reefing points and standard battens.

He offered a discount as I have already spoken toPaul about the Vega
Association

Mentionmyname and teh VAGB and he will give you a good price.

Kind RegardsSteve Birch

 

[millerkm81]

Steve,

Could you explain your reasoning for going with partial battens and three reefs? I'm also
shopping for a new main and would apriciate your advice. I might also mention that we
have bought a 60 sq. ft. gale sail to use as a storm jib. Any reason to get a trysail as well
or will the triple reefed main be sufficient in your opinion? If so, what should be the
smallest area of the reefed main in terms of square feet? 50? 60?

Thanks!

Hans Ericsson - Whisper

 

[stevebirch2002]

Hi Hans

I have a fully battened main which I would prefer in local cruising and
racing situations. With long distance and long crossing voyages I would
prefer the simplest mainsail system which is standard battens without "cars"
that can become stuck in the mast track.

I always prefer three reefs especially with distance sailing where you will
be caught out in strong weather. The third reef is a godsend and has enabled
me to carry on sailing while other yachts have been on their "ears"! My
opinion is that the triped reefed mainsail with an appropriate stormsail is
perfect for heavy weather sailing on the Vega.

This is all in my opinion only.

Cheers

Steve Birch

 

[pjacobs55]

I just converted from roller reefing main to slab (jiffy) reefing and
put in two sets of reef points. On the advice of a local sailmaker I
put the first set up a distance equal to 12% of the luff length (with
the clew end 3" higher than a line parallel with the boom) and the
second set the same amount further up, parallel to the first set.

I am wondering: how far up do you put the third set? I probably won't
put the third ones on this main as it's quite old, but when a new
main gets done I definately will put in three sets, as we can get
some interesting weather around here.

Peter
'Sin Tacha' #1331

 

[stevebirch2002]

Hi

If you contact any sailmaker with experience of Vegas then they will be able
to tell you the exact measurements. I have my main here at home washed,
dried and put away but I can take it out and measure it if you want, let me
know.

Cheers

Steve B

 

[pjacobs55]

Steve:
That's OK. I'm not ready for a new main yet anyway.
Thanks!

Peter
'Sin Tacha' #1331

 

[frank_lighthouse]

Is anyone (in the UK) interested in spare sails for a Vega?

I have an old but serviceable and far from threadbare Main (maker unknown) and a much more recent roller reefing Genoa (I would estimate a 130%) made by Tab. There is evidence that the latter has had the UV strip replaced in the not too distant past and both would benefit from a wash although the Genoa is reasonably clean at present.
I am tired of having to move them around my workshop and would therefore consider any offer for the pair or individual item, plus shipping at cost.

Should anybody be interested contact me on frank@... - I can supply photographs if required.

Regards to all.

Frank Fowler, ex V1775, Alkira.