[Rhodes22-list] Main sail question

[The Rhodes 22 Email List]

I purchased AT EASE from Lee Kuhn last fall (1986/2000) and it has a furling
main sail.  There was a vertical batten (not sure that is the correct term,
but it was a long round rod) in the mail sail near the clew.  Well, it
managed to fall out due to wear on the bottom of the sail and I have been
wondering what it's function is and whether or not I need to replace it. I
emailed the same question to Stan, but didn't get a response.  I think he is
busy with his grocery store so I thought the list might be able to help me
with this.

Susan Crane
Located on the Bohemia River/Chesapeake Bay