[C320-list] New Cruising Mailsail

[Bruce Heyman]

Andrew,
I'll bite.  
I've always read and learned that the benefit of Cruising sails is you can
get many years (a decade?) out of them (depending on how baggy you get
them).  However with racing sails they are only good for so many hoists
(never heard of more than 100).  
A recent discussion with the Americas Cup guys in San Diego said that they
will only use a main or jib for about 6 hours and then they are done with
it.
You also have to be much more careful how you store them, preferably rolled
up and avoiding any folds.  My understanding is that the fibers inside the
laminate break whenever you fold them (or let them flog).

What am I missing?

Bruce
Somerset #671 SoCal

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Andrew
Santangelo
Sent: Sunday, February 08, 2009 7:30 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Cc: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] New Cruising Mailsail

John,

Now here is my opportunity to start the debate.....LOL

A few years back, when I was mostly a pure cruising sailor and just  
dabbling in racing I upgraded my main to a UK Tape Drive Gold racing  
sail with loose foot.  The performance leap was noticeable, in  
particular time to reach stable speed and the slightly faster speed of  
the boat.  I was also impressed how well it maintained its shape - and  
doing this over the years.

I eventually upgraded to all UK Sails and got a whole range of sails -  
mostly due to the racing I now do.

I would not discount getting a "racing" sail though if you are a pure  
cruiser.  Are they more expensive - yes in up front costs.  However  
after 9 seasons they are in fantastic shape, even with all my abuse  
and brutal sailing.  So the first advantage, at least it seem to me,  
is you will get a longer, better life with a good racing sail - at  
least that is my experience with the UK, but I am sure the other name  
brands provide similar quality.  Hence in the long run you will have  
better value for your sail.  Yes the Dacron will last a long time  
likely, but lose its effectiveness and performance capability.

Another thing to consider is that racing sails tend to be lighter and  
stronger.  I have my old Dacron sails, but it is clear my racing sails  
are much lighter.  Fixing a wild or stuck racing sail that is lighter  
makes life much easier.  Heck hauling them around is much easier.   
Stowing them is much easier.

And if you want to race at all or get the bug, you will be good to go.

Now I know cruising is not about speeding from point A to point B.   
But there is something to be said about moving with a little pep vs.  
drifting around.  Also, if the weather might be changing for the  
worse, maybe having those extra few minutes (and tenths of a knot) to  
seek safe harbor or head around the worst parts of a front would be a  
life saver.

Oh, and my kids think the racing sails are cool looking!  I gets them  
and their friends on the water with me.

Lastly,  I would work with a local loft if you can.  Having someone  
you can go to locally, especially when comes to sails (proper fitting,  
corrections, repairs, etc), is a great benefit.

Best Regards,
Andrew

C320 "Dawn Treader"
#333


P.S. - Just the set the record straight on speed improvements:

* Going from fixed 3-blade to 3 blade Autoprop, BIG improvement
* Replacing sails with stiff lines, Big improvement
* Replacing wing keel with a fin keel, slight improvement in speed BUT  
I can point better to windward.
* Hydrauling Backstay adjuster, slight improvement
* Putting in Hydofoil system with 500 H.P. Motor - we really fly!   
Wild going over 40 kts.  Wait....that was in one of my dreams of being  
in a James Bond movie.




On Feb 8, 2009, at 9:22 AM, Larry & Melissa wrote:

> John,
>
> Although I have not yet updated the sails on my C320, I did on my  
> other boat, a 1988 Cal 28. Since I did not race that boat I was just  
> looking to replace the existing original aged sails with some more  
> "shapely" coastal cruising sails. I ended up purchasing a new Rolly  
> Tasker genoa from National Sails in 2005 and was very impressed with  
> the quality and service. In 2008 I purchased a new loose-footed main  
> from them as well and again was happy with the result. In both cases  
> I measured the existing sails carefully before ordering, although I  
> would guess this is less of an issue on the Catalinas as they have  
> them listed in their "stock" sails section. I wouldn't hesitate to  
> order from them again. They use the same high quality dacron sail  
> cloth that many local sailmakers will use and were very reasonably  
> priced. Of course, if there are any adjustments needed or any  
> specific concerns about fitment, it's hard to beat the convenience  
> of a local sailmaker.
>
> Larry