[Rhodes22-list] How well can the IMFmain be shaped and controlled ?

[Mary Lou Troy]

At 02:00 PM 5/11/2008, you wrote:

>I had an older sailor/racer raise concerns about buying a boat with an IMF -
>as it has no battens , he asks how does the sail maintain shape,  and stay
>rigid when needing to ?

"Older sailor/racers" might not be happy with the IMF main. Only a 
mainsheet, outhaul and traveler to tweak. You can use these controls 
to adjust the shape of this sail but it will never be the same as a 
battened main. If you are going to be racing your boat against these 
folks, they will always be on your case. If you are going off 
cruising or daysailing, the IMF mainsail will move the boat well 
enough and be infinitely adjustable for wind conditions. You could 
have a standard main with battens if you want but you would lose the 
convenience of the IMF main.

Mary Lou
1991 R22 Fretless
Rock Hall, MD