As I mentioned in an earlier post, I'm in the process of getting a new set of sails for Imzadi. Thank you to the listers who recommended lofts and commented on their experiences.
The specs for the new main are pretty well set. All the quotes so far have recommended cross cut, loose foot, full batten sails (using my existing Strong Track hardware), made from Challenge sailcloth. But there seems to be a range of opinion about the 135% roller reefing headsail. I'm looking for a 135% sail that can be reefed down to about 100%, with a balance of durability and good performance - and performance is probably worth some extra money to me. The quotes I've gotten all recommend a cross-cut sail made from Challenge High Mass Fiber sailcloth between 8.88 and 9.1 oz. I've always understood that tri-radial construction offered superior performance and shape over cross-cut construction. But one of the sailmakers has commented that both his cross-cut and tri-radial headsails would be designed using the same (virtual) mold so there would be little performance difference - not enough to justify the increased cost for a cruising sail. A second sailmaker says the tri-radial sail will "hold its shape better over the long term", but said the significant increased cost (about 15% for tri-radial construction) make cross-cut a better option. So what is the experience (or opinion) of the list about the value of tri-radial construction? Give me some guidance. Rick Brass Imzadi C&C 38 mk 2 la Belle Aurore C&C 25 mk1 Washington, NC
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