I lost my main sail yesterday to a 15-20K gust. The main was torn at midpoint up, 3/4 of the way from leech to luff, right across a seam. This was the boat's original main, 12 year old or so, made by UK. I am the second owner of the boat and have no exact record of exactly how the previous owner treated the sails. I *assume* they were covered when not in use. My question is this. Is 12 years too long of a period to keep the same sails? Was yesterday's incident an accident waiting to happen (in other words, was I a moron for buying a 12 year old sail and not replacing it)? And finally -- and most important: any suggestions about were to go for a new main sail that can be delivered *fast* so that I can enjoy the remaining of the sailing season? I contacted Airforce Sailmakers and their turn around time is about 5 weeks. Is there any chance I can get something much faster than that or should I call it quits now? I will also appreciate any advise on the price range for the sail. A new cross-cut sail from Airforce will cost between $1,100 and $1,350. thanks, -leo
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Try Bacon (not the breakfast food)
I've had the best luck with Bacon Accociates in Annapolis. The link is below. PS - You sail should have lasted longer than 12 years if it were properly cared for and inspected.
I've had the best luck with Bacon Accociates in Annapolis. The link is below. PS - You sail should have lasted longer than 12 years if it were properly cared for and inspected.
Get it repaired and order a new one.
Leo: Find a local sailmaker and have them patch the thing up for the remainder of the season. Then you can take your time and get a proper sail for your boat. There is a lot of difference in a new sail vs an old worn sail. I know a lot of sailors that wait until it is over before they get new sails. We got about 12 years out of ours (not torn but well worn). My suggestion is Full battens at the top, partial battens bottom, two reef points and High Quality cloth. Check out the HOW site. Good quality and fair prices from someone that really cares about your problems. I am guessing you willl be looking at about $1500-1800 for a high quality sail. Remember that they last for a long time. When you amortize the cost over the years $2000 is not a lot of money for 10 years of enjoyment.
Leo: Find a local sailmaker and have them patch the thing up for the remainder of the season. Then you can take your time and get a proper sail for your boat. There is a lot of difference in a new sail vs an old worn sail. I know a lot of sailors that wait until it is over before they get new sails. We got about 12 years out of ours (not torn but well worn). My suggestion is Full battens at the top, partial battens bottom, two reef points and High Quality cloth. Check out the HOW site. Good quality and fair prices from someone that really cares about your problems. I am guessing you willl be looking at about $1500-1800 for a high quality sail. Remember that they last for a long time. When you amortize the cost over the years $2000 is not a lot of money for 10 years of enjoyment.
something more.
Leo: When you start looking at sails and cloth be sure to get opinions on the weight and brands of cloth (all 7oz. cloth is not equal). If you speak with a loft/sailmaker have them list the hardware, materials in detail when they are doing their quote. PS: In my opinion, if you sail on a regular basis with a quality sail, you are not going to get more than about 8-10 years (even if you take care of it). Ask someone that races how long a sail lasts! Of course they are looking for that last .01 kt out of their sails.
Leo: When you start looking at sails and cloth be sure to get opinions on the weight and brands of cloth (all 7oz. cloth is not equal). If you speak with a loft/sailmaker have them list the hardware, materials in detail when they are doing their quote. PS: In my opinion, if you sail on a regular basis with a quality sail, you are not going to get more than about 8-10 years (even if you take care of it). Ask someone that races how long a sail lasts! Of course they are looking for that last .01 kt out of their sails.
One More Thing
If, by chance, your sail was taken care of properly and not used a lot you may be spending your money too soon. Take a needle and insert it straight in the sail material. If you can move it sideways and tear the cloth the time has come. Try this in a few places. If you can't rip the cloth have it stitched and finish out the year (or more). I recently stitched a 9 foot long rip in a main sail for $75.00 Ron/KA5HZV
If, by chance, your sail was taken care of properly and not used a lot you may be spending your money too soon. Take a needle and insert it straight in the sail material. If you can move it sideways and tear the cloth the time has come. Try this in a few places. If you can't rip the cloth have it stitched and finish out the year (or more). I recently stitched a 9 foot long rip in a main sail for $75.00 Ron/KA5HZV
thanks and summary
Thanks for all the good suggestions. Here's a summary of what's going on. If you have any opinion please write. I am having the local loft of Quantum Sails do the repair. It will cost about $100 to stitch the damaged sail. This will save the season
I am also considering getting a new sail from Quantum even though it's about $500 more expensive than what Airforce sells. My understanding is that Quantum uses better material and are doing a better job than Airforce. Do you folks have any comments about Quantum v. Airforce? -leo
Thanks for all the good suggestions. Here's a summary of what's going on. If you have any opinion please write. I am having the local loft of Quantum Sails do the repair. It will cost about $100 to stitch the damaged sail. This will save the season
I am also considering getting a new sail from Quantum even though it's about $500 more expensive than what Airforce sells. My understanding is that Quantum uses better material and are doing a better job than Airforce. Do you folks have any comments about Quantum v. Airforce? -leo
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