Seeking advice on losse footed main

[jcela]

Guys,
Once again I am seeking your advice.
This time is on the advantages or disadvantages of having a loose footed main for my 1995 Hunter 29.5?.

My old main sail did not have a loose foot and so now I have been told by the UK sail representative that a loose footed main is the way to go and one of the reasons is because the sail gets a much better or fuller form. Is that the case?
How complicated would be to reef the sail?
Would the original reef lines arrengement of the 29.5 work for the new loose footed main?
Thank you in advance.
Jorge

 

[Rick D]

Loose Fotted Main

Yea, to get good sail shape, either a shelf or a loose footed main is desirable. Since the loose footed main is easier to make with some material savings, it's what many sailmakers recommend. The only downside I have found is that the outhaul can be difficult to adjust. I added purchase to take care of that. All your reef gear et al will be rigged as normal.

 

[Bill Roosa]

Loose footed sails

You have to have an outhaul that can handle the new distance. The outhaul should be easy to set. Also the boom needs to be able to handle the new bending moment that will be more extreme due to the food being attached at only the outhaul.
Your reef lines will work fine.

 

[jcela]

Re: Loose footed sails

Bill and Rick,
Thank you for your comments and advice.
Happy New Year to you and your families and happy sailing on 2009!!!!.
Jorge