[Public-list] Do we need battens in the mainsail?

[James Schueler]

Gord,

Would you send them to me also?

James Schueler
PO Box 821
Pine Bush, NY 12566

Thanks

-----Original Message-----
From: public-list-bounces at alberg30.org
[mailto:public-list-bounces at alberg30.org] On Behalf Of Gordon Laco
Sent: Tuesday, May 10, 2005 1:55 PM
To: Alberg 30 Public List -- open to all
Subject: Re: [Public-list] Do we need battens in the mainsail?

Hi Randy - 

You will likely get opinions other than mine - but here is what I
think...

Battens and their pockets do require maintenance but I think that they
are
very worth while.

The purpose of battens is to make the roach or convex cut of the leach
or
trailing edge of the mainsail stand up and fly properly.  To eliminate
battens the leach of the sail has to be cut concave - this results in a
significant loss of sail area.

I am of the opinion that our boats are a little underpowered, so I feel
that
having the ability to get as much power as possible out of the rig Mr
Alberg
and Mr Hansen gave us is a valuable thing.  For those days when plain
sail
is too much, well set up reefing should be easy and not be the cause of
damage to the main.

I just read your description of the rip again... What sort of reefing do
you
have?

Gord #426 Surprise

PS a friend with a deadly telephoto lense on his digital camera took
some
great shots of us in our Alberg reefing last November... If you like I
can
send them to you off the list.





> Greetings, Folks,
>   In reading a bit about sails I see that for cruising, a number of
people
> recommend getting rid of battens.  They cause chaf which, in the case
of my
> sail last time around in heavy-ish winds, second reef, resulted in a
2' rip
> beginning at the inside of the batten pocket.  I'm pretty sure the
batten
> contributed to weakening the fabric in that area.
> 
>   Have any of you simply removed your battens altogether?  How does it
> work?   Isn't it worth a try?
> 
> 
> Many thanks,
> 
> 
> Randy Katz
> #249
> Bellingham/Seattle, WA.
> 
> 
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> Public-list at alberg30.org
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