On Fri, 13 May 2005 00:40:10 GMT, Don White
wrote:

I'm taking my mainsail to the sailmaker tomorrow to have slides (slugs)
sewn to the luff. I believe this will make it much easier to
raise/lower the sail from the cockpit when I'm alone.
Does anyone have an opinion on doing the same for the foot?

I have slugs in my mainsail foot, and I am considering having the next
mainsail (a used composite racing sail I got cheaply and will have cut
down to fit my small IOR-style main dimensions) go in without slugs so
I can use the outhaul a bit more freely G.

I think there are pros and cons very much dependent on style of
sailing and size of boom. I haven't had bad things to say about slugs
on the foot...far from it as it makes for a tidy flake and stowage of
the sail for one...but I think I can get a bit more zip out of a
loose-footed mainsail in my "fast cruising, not racing" game plan.

YMMV,
R.