On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:35:27 -0500, sherwin dubren
wrote:

Wayne.B wrote:
On Sat, 26 Sep 2009 22:31:05 -0500, sherwin dubren
wrote:

I recollect sending them a copy of the original sail plan from
Westerly Marine, so it should have fit the boat.

It is almost impossible to make a sail that fits exactly without
taking actual measurements. Have you tried raking your mast further
aft by lengthening the headstay and tightening the backstay? If you
have dual lower shrouds you will need to adjust them also. Many boats
actually sail better with a little aft rake, and it may make your sail
fit properly. Racing boats frequently rake the mast aft for light
air and bring it back forward when the wind is blowing harder.


I am not a racer, so raking the mast has no advantage for me.

This sail maker was sent a sail plan. What is also strange is that
about the same time frame, we ordered a new main sail from Ratsey
in England. At that time, they had access to the sail plans of
all the Westerly Boats, but that sail also was cut too big. We
had to take it into a sail maker in Islamorada to have it cut down.

Do I detect a pattern here?

Sherwin

Perhaps your rig has been altered by a previous owner? That's not so
unusual. It's always recommended to take actual and careful
measurements of the particular boat, before making sails.

In any case, proper rake is not for racers only. It can make a big
difference in the handling and performance of any boat, yours
included. Just like you don't have to drive a race car to get a
benefit from a front end alignment and proper tire pressures.