[C320-list] Full vs. partial batten mainsails

[Mark Calisti]

I’d also recommend the Tides Marine Strong Track system. We did that when got our new loose footed mainsail and lazy jacks replacing our original sail and Dutchman system a couple of years ago. Adds probably around $1k but well worth it.

Mark Calisti
749/Wayward/Solomons MD

> On Jul 6, 2023, at 3:11 PM, surprise thompson87.com via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
> 
> I’ve had a full batten loose footed main with the Dutchman system for years. It came from UK and I’ve been very happy with it. 
> 
> Regarding the Asian sails, I have a neighbor who works for one of the majors and he tells me that all of them use the same state of the art factory in Asia for cruising sails. This does not mean that the sails are all alike since materials, sail design, and finishing are specified by the sail company. The factory is able to accommodate a lot of customization using computer controlled cutting to a specific design. The main reason the factory is in Asia is to get relatively inexpensive skilled labor for the manual finishing steps, e.g. sewing rings into the tack and clew, batten pocket details, etc. 
> 
> 
>> On Jul 6, 2023, at 11:37 AM, Jack Brennan via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> So I’m getting ready to splurge on a new mainsail and sorting through my options. I see I can buy a full-batten main that feeds into the boom in the usual way or a partial-batten main with a loose foot.
>> 
>> What is everyone’s experience/opinion on the choices?
>> 
>> I currently have partial battens and a loose-footed main, which I like because I can give the main a bit of a belly in light air and power it up.
>> 
>> I also have a Dutchman system, which I’m ambivalent about because it periodically causes chafe and rips in the main, such as when the Dutchman eyelets come loose on the sail. I used  to have lazy jacks on another boat, which were helpful but also caused their own problems.
>> 
>> So, also, which sail-control system works best with your favorite choice? Or, with a full-batten main, is it possible to do away with the system altogether?
>> 
>> I should also say that I’m limiting myself to the main online vendors that sell ready-made Catalina sails. The local guys just cost way too much for the sailing I do. Also, I keep hearing that many lofts buy Asian sails these days and justify the mark-ups with modifications that may or may not be useful for the average sailor.
>> 
>> Jack Brennan
>> Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
>> Tierra Verde, Fl.
>> 
>> 
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>>