[Rhodes22-list] opinions on (horizontal) full batten mainsail

[ROGER PIHLAJA]

Steve,

S/V Dynamic Equilibrium has a very roachy, fully battened mainsail with 2 rows of reef points.  The sail shape is much better and the boat points several degrees higher.  I also have a 150% genoa built from Bainbridge’s Cruise-Lam composite sailcloth in a bi-radial construction.  Between the two sails, S/V Dynamic Equilibrium is faster; but, no longer idiot proof.  With the OEM sails, by the time the boat was heeled over enough to have the leeward rail in the water, the sails were distorted enough to be spilling wind to keep her from heeling over any more.  The new sails maintain their shape almost no matter what.  In gusty conditions, you had better keep your hand on the traveler control line and the genoa sheet because a strong gust will knock the boat right down.  I purchased Stan’s new traveler last year and I really like it.  It can be adjusted to allow the traveler to automatically move to leeward in a very strong gust – kind of a mechanical circuit breaker.  Plus, the new style traveler’s design allows the helmsman to stay hiked out on the windward side.  But, you still need to watch the genoa because that’s a much bigger sail and it tends to cause lee helm in a gust if you don’t slack off on the sheet.   In heavy conditions, I route the genoa sheet across the cockpit using the leeward winch drum to make the turn to route the sheet to the windward winch.  This enables the genoa trimmer to stay hiked out on the windward rail and yet still trim the sail.  When actively trimmed properly in a gust, the more powerful sails provide an acceleration that will set you right down in your seat.  It’s really quite addictive!  My two sons regard S/V Dynamic Equilibrium as their own personal roller coaster!  For them, sailing doesn’t get interesting until the small craft warnings go up.  When their wives, children, or their mother are on board, we reef down and sail in a more sedate style.

Roger Pihlaja
S/V Dynamic Equilibrium

Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows 10

From: redneckyc<mailto:steverayj at hotmail.com>
Sent: Monday, May 25, 2020 2:14 PM
To: rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org<mailto:rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] opinions on (horizontal) full batten mainsail

Anybody tried one? This is for old R22 that does not have furling main.
Thanks!



-----
Fair winds and following seas .....  Steve Raye
--
Sent from: http://rhodes-22.1065344.n5.nabble.com/