I believe that sailmakers have increased the roach of the main over the
years which has caused a particular issue when tacking where the main gets
caught in lighter air on the backstay.
Our backstay is also rod which makes it even stiffer. Recently I was speaking with a sailmaker who mentioned that perhaps if I convert the backstay to spectra line, it might be softer and allow for the main to pass over in lighter air easier. Another benefit, however, might be that I would reduce weight aloft.
This seemed to be a great idea but wondered if anyone else has similar experience and or input.
I thought I could also run a 3 foot piece of stiff batton with a hole in it lead aft where the backstay would run though. When wind is light it would pull the spectra away from the roach -- like done on some souped up boats. The sailmaker didn't think this would really work too well on the Olson's but did think the spectra would be a good idea.
In the meantime, I think we have to let the sail down and then hoist up again.
Steve
Latest Trick
Olson 911s
Received on Fri Mar 21 15:01:06 2003