I’m seriously thinking of replacing the main on ASHANTI as I think original is now a bit tired and has only one reefing point which proved to be insufficient in F4-5 winds.
I have seen a number of options on BWY website and wonder if any members have experience of these. The model which interests me is the 2 reef flat top fully battened made from 5.0 high modulus Dacron loose footed and has no bolt ropes at $1099
I mostly sail singlehanded and have rigged everything back to the cockpit, I am thinking that the fully battened design will be easier to reef . I’m not sure about the weight of my original sail, but compared with my last boat it seems very light. Does anyone know what weight the original Doyle sails were ?
The alternative to BWY is to have a new sail made in the UK and Mike of TARKA has given me the details of where he had his made and is very pleased with it. I guess having it made in the UK should be cheaper but as yet I don’t have any quotes. In the end it won’t be cheap if it doesn't do the job properly so I would really appreciate the benefit of members experience.
John
ASHANTI 2008 M
I used to know a good sailmaker based in London but he has moved on and I have lost touch with him but he used to recommend refurbing and re-shaping older sails as an alternative to buying new ones, unless you are a Ben Ainslie.
Just a thought.
A new properly shaped sail can change a boat from a tub into a thoroughbred. Sails do stretch and get baggy with use.
I do believe in personal introductions and hopefully Mike's man will still have the measurements which will make the job quicker and maybe a tad cheaper.
If other folk need a new main, maybe a bulk order could reduce the cost.
Good luck with it all
Simon Armitage
Sowenna 26M.
I bought a main and 100% jib from Precision sails. 4 full battens and three reefs , the jib with roller furling pad. I didn’t buy th lowest cost option and it was all under £1000. High quality sails too. I’m very pleased with them. I’ll be ordering a second main from them too for my other boat. They’re Canada based but the shipping to the UK was very affordable. You can get a quote for all their options on their website. I’d highly recommend them.
Leigh Ross
Crieff
0777 558-4561
1990 MacGregor 26S Ptarmigan
1992 MacGregor 26S Pelican
Hi Leigh & Simon
Thanks for your advice
I’ll do my research and post my results
Regards
John
ASHAINT 2008M
I was seriously tempted to put full batten in my new sail a couple of seasons ago but baulked for fear that I would not be able to deposed it sufficiently. However having sailed with Stuart McWilliams who has full batten on his x I was really impressed...especially in light wind. In theory it should be really good with the m rotating last.
How have you found your full batten sail in gusty conditions Leigh?
Roly
Roly,
i havent used it yet. The purchase of the boat was so delayed that by the time I was able to measure her up for sails, the season was over.
Leigh Ross
Crieff
0777 558-4561
1990 MacGregor 26S Ptarmigan
1992 MacGregor 26S Pelican
Hi Roly
Im not sure what you mean by “deposed”
I was thinking that full battens would make it easier to reef, but I guess they must control the sail shape differently to the shorter ones.
I need to understand their purpose more thoroughly before deciding
Regards
John
ASHANTI 2008M
Sorry
Typo. Dispose intended. Ie to deposed or spill wind in a gust. The full batten keeps the aerofoil shape but may hold too much wind in a gust. Feeding should be similar whichever batten system.
Hi again Roly and Leigh,
I’ve got you now Roly, reading up on the effects of batten length your thoughts about being able to dump gusts seems to be borne out. I’m beginning to think of having 2 full battens at the top and 2 shorter ones lower down, this should enable the sail to twist and dump some wind in the gusts. It’s important that I can do this as currently the original sail gets the boat overpowered in F4/5 gusts even when reefed - I think it’s because the sail has stretched and has too much “belly” - a bit like most of us as the years go on!!
I have an interesting offer from Precision sails that Leigh recommended , they are offering a radial cut main made from Challenge Warp cloth at £670 whereas Jeckyls want £970 for a regular cross cut from High modulus Dacron. Of course I Wil have to add the shipping cost to the Canadian price so I was wondering what shipping you paid for the main and jib Leigh.
I look forward to your advice,
Regards
John
ASHANTI 2008M
As I remember,it was $75 to a US address and $150 to a UK address
I bought the triradial main and jibs I can’t figure out how to post a pdf from my iPad or I’d send my quote but if you go to their site they’ll make up a 23 page quote for you within hours
Leigh Ross
Crieff
0777 558-4561
1990 MacGregor 26S Ptarmigan
1992 MacGregor 26S Pelican
Further question regarding a new main for my M.
The original main is not loose footed but I was thinking the new one should be as it would enable better sail shape.
What are your thoughts/recommendations regarding this, please.
John
ASHANTI 2008M
By the way Precision Sails - Canada, have their sails made in Shenzen China, which accounts for the low prices, they assure me the cloth used is genuine Challenger brand, however I'm not sure how this could be checked ?
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