FINALLY an opportunity to give Windstar her '17 shakedown and set the new mainsail.
Quite a surprise in terms of the ability to control the sail's shape and power. A pleasant surprise, as much a result of my lack of experience as the new sail. (I have never seriously raced, and have never had the combination of a new "performance" main and boat capable of controlling and exploiting it.) Wow, the ability to tweak in (or out) a half knot is remarkable. Many of you contributed to the decision-making process last fall, (and thanks again!) and for the record what I purchased was a cross cut dacron "racing" main, made - in Canada! - by Evolution sails in Toronto. From the sailmaker: The “race” main sails are designed to the class or PHRF maximum in all dimensions. This is particularly evident on the girth measurements, the top batten will probably catch slightly on the backstay when tacking. Also, we use a more tightly woven and all round better Dacron fabric. A more suitable racing fabric. As well, the sail will have draft stripes, foot shelf and a few other racing features. Some relevant blah blah blah from last October here. http://cncwindstar.blogspot.ca/2016/10/mainsail-decision-made.html Dave
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