IRGolfer,
Since no one else with more experience has answered, let me suggest the
following. I have a lot of experience sailing, but only with smaller
boats less than 30 feet.

There are several basic types of sails: a main sail, a head sail and a
spinnaker. There are several other versions of these, but the sails you
have probably fit into one of these categories.

The main sail is a triangular sail with a right angle in one corner. It
will also have tube-like pockets along the side that is opposite that
right angle - for battens, which are stiffening pieces to help the sail
keeps its shape. If any of your sails meet this description they are
probably main sails.

The head sail is also triangular, but often does not have any corner in
a right angle shape. Some do however, so if you think the sail has a
right angle check then to see if pockets are installed on the opposite
side. If no pockets are there then the sail is probably a head sail.
Head sails can be sub-categorized as a jib, genoa or storm sail - if
you're interested.

The spinnaker is a parachute-type sail - often multicolored. It may
have either no right-angle corners, one or even two right angles. It is
often very light material, and if spread out it will have a distinct
shape almost like a triangular parachute. Often two of its sides will
be the same length. That, and the colors, are keys to identifying this sail.

Once you've identified the types of sails you need to take measurements.
The main and head sails will have three different side lengths. The
shortest length is often the "foot" of the sail and (when on a sailboat)
is the bottom of the sail. The middle length is the "luff" and is the
forward or leading edge of the sail. The longest length is the "leach".

On main sails the key dimensions are the foot and the luff. These are
often labelled the "E" and "P" dimensions respectively.

On head sails the key dimensions are the leach and the foot. These are
often labelled the "I" and "J" dimensions respectively.

On the spinnaker there will typically be one short dimension, with two
sides being the same length. The short dimension is the foot, commonly
labelled "J". You don't use either side dimension, but rather measure
from the point of the sail opposite the short side, straight down the
middle of the sail to a center point on the foot. This length is
labelled the "I" dimension.


Now that you have the sails identified and key dimensions measured you
can go to Google.com and look up "used", "sail", and "trade". Companies
like Atlantic Sail Traders and others will come up. These companies buy
and sell used sails. You can contact them and let them know what you
have and get their offers. You could also go to the
rec.boats.marketplace newsgroup and offer the sails for sale there.
(You can get ideas of what they might sell for from those used sail
trader sites too.)

I hope that helps you, and I'm sure that if I've mis-written anyplace in
this the friendly folks monitoring this group will correct me. Best of
luck.

MikeH


irgolfer wrote:

Greetings. I inherited some property on which were four very, very large
sails made by Sobstad. I know nothing about sailing and can usually
identify a sailboat 2 out of 5 times. What I am seeking is advice on how to
find out what type of sailboat these were for and how to go about selling
them. Any advice is appreciated. If needed I can send measurements or
photographs to help.

Remove the "nospam" in my e-mail address.

Thank-you.