Sail Matters
Counter the “set it and forget it” mentality and have fun learning the intricacies of that flying fabric...
Article by Jonathan Lewis
I just finished watching a YouTube video by Practical Sailor on sails and various sail materials like Dacron, Nylon, carbon fiber and aramids, and it got me thinking. Longevity and other characteristics were discussed, but what are our biggest concerns?
We small-craft sailors are most likely using Dacron as our primary material, but some may use other exotic offerings. While the cloth may result in increased performance for various reasons (weight, stretch, chafe, shape), my actual on-the-water observations rarely elicit a conclusion I’m witnessing an extremely well-sailed boat—no matter the chosen fabric. On the contrary I regularly notice poor luff, leech and foot tension, and sail trim appears to be an afterthought for those aboard. While most of us aren’t competing in regattas that require constant fine tuning of our air foils, we’re still soliciting propulsion from our rigs, and proper trim not only offers greater efficiency and comfort, it also rewards us with increased confidence and enjoyment.
Years ago I used to singlehand in a racing series on Boston Harbor that provided challenges and learning opportunities galore. Taking part in those afternoon competitions gave me a better understanding of the currents, underwater topography, my boat, and my shortcomings. The aftermath of each race also helped highlight my strengths and weaknesses, and those of my competitors. I recall asking a captain on another vessel if the car on his track was jammed, as the poor lead resulted in equally poor foot tension of his jib. He shouted back he “never moved those damn things.” A lack of attention to the details and the resulting consequences is common on sailboats all around the world. I’m sorry to say that poorly sailed boats are the norm and therefore the benefits of a well-sailed boat are elusive to many. A downhaul, Cunningham, boom vang or mainsheet adjustment can instantly reduce heel and produce a more pleasant ride. Proper sail trim reduces weather helm, lightening the tiller or wheel loads. A properly-tensioned headstay not only improves the shape of your jib, it allows you to point higher.
This short essay isn’t meant to be an admonishment for doing something wrong. On the contrary, you’re doing something right just by doing it. The intention is to spur you on to further development and growth. There are so many ways to get those telltales flowing in a better direction, and our craft provides us with the tools to do so with a slight tweak here, or a little outhaul tension there. We’re lucky enough to negotiate a changing environment with wind direction and strength in constant fluctuation. Waves, currents and swells add to that palate as we beat, reach or run. Play with your sails and all the controls that let you manipulate their shape and angles. Counter the “set it and forget it” mentality and have fun learning the intricacies of that flying fabric, no matter its composition. •SCA•
Just a suggestion but proper sail trim increases the longevity of your sails significantly. That flapping leech destroys fibers and a pulsating luff isn’t much better. We’re not talking racing/speed performance but rather sailing qualities. Of course the best advice would be to use your sail covers, that UV is a killer. Have fun.
Horses for courses comes to mind. There are very simple sails that are surprisingly effective in the right hands; Mik Storer and his Goat Island Skiff exemplify that end of the spectrum. No doubt at all that there are racers who cherish every little tweaking line and the minutia involved, but I suspect the majority lean more to the set it and forget it crowd.
I on the other hand wander around in the "let's try something different this time" field. AYRS (aka Bolger) rig, crab claws, wing sails, boomed staysail and now some cambered panel staysails have provided an interesting journey so far.
To each their own.