Advice on Sails
 

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.

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.

Mike...thanks so much for the response. It was educational. Turns out when
I open the sail carriers they are not all Sobstad. Only one is and it is
39' x 37.5' x 19'. The other three are a Schurr, North Sail, and what looks
like UK Sailmaker. The measurements are pretty close to each other. And
one has some handwritten figures on it LP=17.8 148%. No idea what that
means but I am still researching. I called Schurr and talked to the
sailmaker and he offered to help identify the one made my them. Sobstad was
no help. Have not tried to reach the other two yet. I am definitely
getting an education.

I e-mailed photos and they said all four sails were genoas and probably came
off a J/29 class.




"MikeH" wrote in message
om...
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.

148% means that it's a genoa - it indicates the overlap. LP is the distance
from the clew to the luff line in a direction to cross the luff at 90
degrees. (shortest distance from clew to luff line). It's the critical
measurement for expressing the category of a genoa (No. 1, No. 2 etc).

Some sailmakers deal in second-hand sails, and there are specialist
dealers - you could look in local sailing magazines for details. If these
are racing sails they may be beyond their best performance, but they are
still valuable for cruising people. If they are in good condition they could
be worth a fair bit.
--
"irgolfer" wrote in message
. ..
Mike...thanks so much for the response. It was educational. Turns out
when
I open the sail carriers they are not all Sobstad. Only one is and it is
39' x 37.5' x 19'. The other three are a Schurr, North Sail, and what
looks
like UK Sailmaker. The measurements are pretty close to each other. And
one has some handwritten figures on it LP=17.8 148%. No idea what that
means but I am still researching. I called Schurr and talked to the
sailmaker and he offered to help identify the one made my them. Sobstad
was
no help. Have not tried to reach the other two yet. I am definitely
getting an education.

I e-mailed photos and they said all four sails were genoas and probably
came off a J/29 class.

Thanks James. They are in really good shape and other than one having some
dirt/stains they look like they have not been used that much.

I appreciate everyone's help.


"James Hahn" wrote in message
...
148% means that it's a genoa - it indicates the overlap. LP is the
distance from the clew to the luff line in a direction to cross the luff
at 90 degrees. (shortest distance from clew to luff line). It's the
critical measurement for expressing the category of a genoa (No. 1, No. 2
etc).

Some sailmakers deal in second-hand sails, and there are specialist
dealers - you could look in local sailing magazines for details. If these
are racing sails they may be beyond their best performance, but they are
still valuable for cruising people. If they are in good condition they
could be worth a fair bit.
--
"irgolfer" wrote in message
. ..
Mike...thanks so much for the response. It was educational. Turns out
when
I open the sail carriers they are not all Sobstad. Only one is and it is
39' x 37.5' x 19'. The other three are a Schurr, North Sail, and what
looks
like UK Sailmaker. The measurements are pretty close to each other. And
one has some handwritten figures on it LP=17.8 148%. No idea what that
means but I am still researching. I called Schurr and talked to the
sailmaker and he offered to help identify the one made my them. Sobstad
was
no help. Have not tried to reach the other two yet. I am definitely
getting an education.

I e-mailed photos and they said all four sails were genoas and probably
came off a J/29 class.

You're welcome! Good luck selling them. Alternately - you could buy a
boat to go with them and put them to good use grin.
Mike

irgolfer wrote:

Thanks James. They are in really good shape and other than one having some
dirt/stains they look like they have not been used that much.

I appreciate everyone's help.


"James Hahn" wrote in message
...

148% means that it's a genoa - it indicates the overlap. LP is the
distance from the clew to the luff line in a direction to cross the luff
at 90 degrees. (shortest distance from clew to luff line). It's the
critical measurement for expressing the category of a genoa (No. 1, No. 2
etc).

Some sailmakers deal in second-hand sails, and there are specialist
dealers - you could look in local sailing magazines for details. If these
are racing sails they may be beyond their best performance, but they are
still valuable for cruising people. If they are in good condition they
could be worth a fair bit.
--
"irgolfer" wrote in message
m...

Mike...thanks so much for the response. It was educational. Turns out
when
I open the sail carriers they are not all Sobstad. Only one is and it is
39' x 37.5' x 19'. The other three are a Schurr, North Sail, and what
looks
like UK Sailmaker. The measurements are pretty close to each other. And
one has some handwritten figures on it LP=17.8 148%. No idea what that
means but I am still researching. I called Schurr and talked to the
sailmaker and he offered to help identify the one made my them. Sobstad
was
no help. Have not tried to reach the other two yet. I am definitely
getting an education.

I e-mailed photos and they said all four sails were genoas and probably
came off a J/29 class.

Mike..listed the first one on E-Bay. Will let you know how it goes. I
tried the places that buy sails but got no response.

"MikeH" wrote in message
m...
You're welcome! Good luck selling them. Alternately - you could buy a
boat to go with them and put them to good use grin.
Mike

irgolfer wrote:

Thanks James. They are in really good shape and other than one having
some dirt/stains they look like they have not been used that much.

I appreciate everyone's help.


"James Hahn" wrote in message
...

148% means that it's a genoa - it indicates the overlap. LP is the
distance from the clew to the luff line in a direction to cross the luff
at 90 degrees. (shortest distance from clew to luff line). It's the
critical measurement for expressing the category of a genoa (No. 1, No. 2
etc).

Some sailmakers deal in second-hand sails, and there are specialist
dealers - you could look in local sailing magazines for details. If these
are racing sails they may be beyond their best performance, but they are
still valuable for cruising people. If they are in good condition they
could be worth a fair bit.
--
"irgolfer" wrote in message
om...

Mike...thanks so much for the response. It was educational. Turns out
when
I open the sail carriers they are not all Sobstad. Only one is and it
is
39' x 37.5' x 19'. The other three are a Schurr, North Sail, and what
looks
like UK Sailmaker. The measurements are pretty close to each other.
And
one has some handwritten figures on it LP=17.8 148%. No idea what that
means but I am still researching. I called Schurr and talked to the
sailmaker and he offered to help identify the one made my them. Sobstad
was
no help. Have not tried to reach the other two yet. I am definitely
getting an education.

I e-mailed photos and they said all four sails were genoas and probably
came off a J/29 class.

Mike...first one is up to $255 with less than 24 hours. The last 10 minutes
ought to be interesting.


"irgolfer" wrote in message
...
Mike..listed the first one on E-Bay. Will let you know how it goes. I
tried the places that buy sails but got no response.

"MikeH" wrote in message
m...
You're welcome! Good luck selling them. Alternately - you could buy a
boat to go with them and put them to good use grin.
Mike

irgolfer wrote:

Thanks James. They are in really good shape and other than one having
some dirt/stains they look like they have not been used that much.

I appreciate everyone's help.


"James Hahn" wrote in message
...

148% means that it's a genoa - it indicates the overlap. LP is the
distance from the clew to the luff line in a direction to cross the luff
at 90 degrees. (shortest distance from clew to luff line). It's the
critical measurement for expressing the category of a genoa (No. 1, No.
2 etc).

Some sailmakers deal in second-hand sails, and there are specialist
dealers - you could look in local sailing magazines for details. If
these are racing sails they may be beyond their best performance, but
they are still valuable for cruising people. If they are in good
condition they could be worth a fair bit.
--
"irgolfer" wrote in message
. com...

Mike...thanks so much for the response. It was educational. Turns out
when
I open the sail carriers they are not all Sobstad. Only one is and it
is
39' x 37.5' x 19'. The other three are a Schurr, North Sail, and what
looks
like UK Sailmaker. The measurements are pretty close to each other.
And
one has some handwritten figures on it LP=17.8 148%. No idea what that
means but I am still researching. I called Schurr and talked to the
sailmaker and he offered to help identify the one made my them.
Sobstad was
no help. Have not tried to reach the other two yet. I am definitely
getting an education.

I e-mailed photos and they said all four sails were genoas and probably
came off a J/29 class.

So! Inquiring minds want to know: how did you do?
Mike


irgolfer wrote:
Mike...first one is up to $255 with less than 24 hours. The last 10 minutes
ought to be interesting.

$345 for the first sail. Lots of e-mail offers. 2nd one is listed and
right now has 36 folks watching it. Someone looked at the photos and told
me these were racing sails.




"MikeH" wrote in message
om...
So! Inquiring minds want to know: how did you do?
Mike


irgolfer wrote:
Mike...first one is up to $255 with less than 24 hours. The last 10
minutes ought to be interesting.