"cavelamb" wrote in message
...
Edgar wrote:
"Bruce in Bangkok" wrote in message
news
On Wed, 20 May 2009 01:30:11 -0500, cavelamb
wrote:

Ok, the big argument is this...

Does partial unrolling of a roller furling head sail cause damage to
the sail?
(in terms of shape and stretch)

Yea or Nay?

I have foam strips in my jibs which seems to help take some of the
belly out of the sail when partially rolled but IMHO the sail shape
does deteriorate as the sail is rolled up.

However. I also think that for cruising a roller is the only sensible
solution as it allows handling the foresail by one's self. And, yes it
is possible to change head sails alone but it can get somewhat hectic,
particularly in variable winds or with a squall roaring up behind.

I agree with all that has been said but would add that although sails of
modern materials stretch very little, if at all, I would try and avoid
using a new sail partly furled if I possibly could.

My ASA friends (both instructors) say it's ok.
But they have a nicely bellied jib on C27s!

They suggested getting a 125% with a high cut clew.
That way the jib won't backwind the main when hard on the wind, and
the thing will unroll more proportionally than a low cut deck sweeper.

I have a nice Asym spinnaker for running and reaching, so that might work.


The sailmakers, however...

As for your question about partially furling headsails damaging the
shape, I believe the answer to be yes. In the 13 years I have been here
at Mariner, I have found that I can definitely tell when a sail has been
partially furled. I can tell due to a ripple that develops at the load
points along the foot and leech. Definite change and damage.

That was from Mariner. the others say pretty much the same thing...


Richard


Last year, I got it in my head that I needed a good downwind jib. (Well, I
do, given my jib has such a high foot/clew.) So, I bought a used drifter. I
have yet to put the sail on and use it. I think I'm going to have to wait
until winter now.

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com