When You Are Upgrading Your Mainsail

A mainsail faces any things and when it has served you for a longer period, and there is a limit has been crossed for patches, repairs, re-stichings and tune-ups, it is obvious to consider buying a new one. But, getting a new mainsail for sail is not a simple thing and this purchase involves many choices and many related factors such as type of boat (racer or cruiser), sailing area (coastal, inshore or blue water)and your performance level (hobby, racer, amateur or adventurous). Here are some sail selection factors to be taken into account while purchasing a new mainsail.

Material

While usually the older mainsails are usually Dacron made, but at present polyester is the best choice that provides the best balance of price, longevity and performance. For the extreme performance you can go with premium grade polyester (Dimension 360 AP-MTO 88.4 ounce) that is regarded as bulletproof  and virtually maintenance. Because of tight weave it is enriched with nice shape retention and fine performance on different wind ranges.

Corners, clews and eyes

There are different opinions over corners, clews and eyes. Some prefer hand stitched elements at the corners and clews as it serves better in spreading the loads and can be easily repaired by the owner at the sea. But there are some others who prefer the stainless steel or aluminum headboard and pressed eyes. Both the methods are equally efficient and working well.

Batten banter

At the time of looking at main sail for sale  it is essential to know that what type of battens will be used he There are two types of batten banters, namely full length battens and  two partial battens. Both have their own specific pros and cons. You can choose anyone as per your own preference and  suggested by your local sailing expert.

Reef Points

When the batten style is decided, next thing is to determine the number and position of the reef rows to support the main sails to deal with heavier winds. Usually there are three reef points in a main to be adjusted according to situations, but the first two reefs are mainly and mostly used under the general circumstances.

The benefits of self-tacking headsails

Sailing is all about smartness. We, the sail makers and sailing hardware innovators always brainstorm on how to make things simpler. A self-tacking headsail is highly recommended for those who love to sail alone or for yachts that have limited number of crew members.
Without self-tacking, your crew will have to take one jib-sheet off and wind the other.

Now that’s not so easy for those who are new to sailing. By using the self-tacked headsails you can cut the hassles.

How it works 

A self-tacked headsail has one jib sheet and the hardware installation is so done that when needed you can automate the process. 

The jib-sheet will move from the clew to the stand-up block that is mounted on the self-tracker track. The sheet will then be back down inside the mast and will go back to the winch. 

It will be like sliding from one side to the other on its own.  

Benefits

Any kind of automation does come with a set of benefits and there’s no exception with a self-tacker. 

• You can move the headsail in no time without keeping any crew member engaged with the process.

• If you are sailing alone then you must have a self-tacker.

• If you have a yacht boat full of inexperienced crew members, you won’t have to train them or scratch your head to make them learn how to move the headsail.

• For small family yacht sailing, a self-tacker is highly helpful. One of the adults can keep an eye on the children while the other will keep the boat running.

• With a self-tacker you can make your headsail last longer since there’s no chance of getting it caught on the guard rails.

• You won’t have to ask your friends or crew to move out so that you can grind the winches.

Put an emblem, or ask for floral prints

The best part of ordering custom sails instead of buying ready-made ones is that you can design the sail the way you want. For those who take sailing as a passion and want a signature on everything they do, custom sail is the option.

It will reflect your style, your persona and will make your vessel stand apart from all the other boast or yachts on the water.

You can ask the sailmaker to print an emblem on all the sails you have ordered or you can ask for any motifs or floral prints on the dacron. We are not telling that all the lofts actually can deliver any kind of customization you are seeking.

But there are suppliers who are dealing with the sails and sail supplies for more than two decades. Approach them and they will be up for it. If you talk about us, we have already kept a section on our website for our customers so that they can design their spinnakers.

This is actually fun. Just choose the type of spinnaker you want, fill it with the colors you like, save the template and send us. Of course you will need to mention the measurements.

If you are sailing a Catalina, then you may not think otherwise but a custom sail option. These luxurious yachts are meant for special people and need to be treated in a special way.

We provide sails for almost all the Catalina models. You just need to tell us what the measurements are.

9 Tips on Spinnaker packing

Although boating or cruising is fun, sail packing is a huge task which is not only boring but also very critical. We can share some useful tips on how to get it done smartly. Our lofts are not only full of spinnakers for sale, but also with a massive bank of sailing experience.

The basic task of spinnaker packing is to put the sail inside the turtle but you need to do it in such a manner so that no twists are developed or else it will create problems later on when you shall hoist the sail again.

Follow the tips below--

• The best way to start is to put the turtle between your legs and take a position facing the bow of the boat.

• You should start by sitting on one of the clews and then search for the other one. It may sound weird but this will help you do the packing neatly.

• If your have found a port clew, keep it on your left and if it is the starboard one, keep it on your right.

• The foot of the spinnaker should always go first inside the turtle. Simple logic-- it goes the last when you hoist the sail.

• Make sure to sit on both the clews when you will find the other clew, at the end of the foot.

• To avoid twisting while packing the rest of the sail, pack it by following either the starboard leech or the port leech till you get the head of the sail.

• Always remember that if you do not have a twist on one leech, you won’t have any on the other.

• Make sure that the corners of the spinnaker are hung outside the turtle so that when required the crew can attach them to the appropriate lines. 

After closing the lid, you should check whether the bungee cord is secured over the metal ring.

12 tips for the new sailors

We think we are veteran enough to give some tips to the youngsters in sailing. Our lofts are frequently visited by new sailors and many of them stay back for hours. Soon after they finish sorting through our spinnakers, mainsails or headsails for sale they ask for tips. New sailors, specially those who are relatively young at age, never run out of queries. We never mind and in fact we love to answer.

So we thought of sharing these basic tips here, for those who are new to sailing. You should start with a small boat and practice sailing in calm waters initially. 

•  Check weather conditions before setting out. Take detailed notes of the tide and wind forecast.

• Sail setting is the most vital part. Your sail should remain flat if you have normal wind conditions. During moderate winds, it should be full. Ease the setting when you are bearing away.

• You should learn to sense which way the wind is blowing. Take it as a practice session.

• The boom swings and many new sailors make themselves injured. You just need to remain cautious. 

• When you are sailing downwind, you should keep the boom down and place crew weight astern.

• In upwind condition, place crew weight to the windward side. Raise the centerboard slightly and take control of the speed.

• Always wear life jackets and take enough number of boat cushions. For the kids, attach whistles with the jackets.

• Learn the common sailing terms and teach the team well. On board, it is required to communicate in short.

• Initially allow all the other boats to overtake you. This is your learning phase.

• Always maintain a safe speed.

• Steer the boat in a straight line. Unless you will find difficulty in adjusting your sails.

• A flat boat is always a fast boat.