More roach in sails

[charlesrider]

Has anyone used more roach in the sails? It might be hard to support without full battens and full battens are hard to support without a sail track, and a sail track makes things more complicated and expensive, ...

But, a fatter topped sail would provide more thrust at low-med windspeed and would twist off in more air.

Chad

[Joe Nelson CS#35]

Not sure which boat you are talking about...but some of the Core Sound boats have done exactly what you describe. I have ordered a set for my boat and am converting from sleeve luff to track luff. There are pics around of Graham's CS 17 and Brent's CS 20 with the roach and battened sails. Will be looking to sell my old sails soon to someone who wants the original configuration with sleeve luffs. Nice egyptian cream color sails with only one season on them. Made through Graham with the B&B logo on them.

[Garry]

Would this change affect the balance/weather helm?

[Brent]

Has anyone used more roach in the sails?

Yep, my CS20 sails have full battens and a big powerful roach. Just what I like, lots of power and plenty of speed. Such powerful sails are not for everyone - put that much power onboard and you had better know what you are doing.

Full battens do require sail tracks - which I wanted big roach or not, to allow quick and reliable reefing. I sail my boat solo in a wide range of conditions and being able to power appropriately for the conditions is a top priority from both the safety and fun perspectives.

And Gary, I do not find any weather helm or imbalance problems. I do trim the boat appropriately - actually steer with the sails much of the time - but that is more personality quirk than function of sail design. And the center of balance is adjusted with the centerboard position - just like any other centerboard boat being pushed for performance. My choice hands down for a Princess 26 would be full batten big roach sails with double reef points.

[charlesrider]

Thanks for the replies. I am sorry I was somewhat unclear in the original post.

My small experience with fully battened sails have been very positive. I love the accelleration they provide when cracking off the wind and if one allows the clew to rise (and the sail to twist) when the wind is strong, the heeling moment can be kept under control going to windward.

I also read a post about choosing masts and was wondering about people's experiences with different mast configurations. Anybody try carbon? tapered vs straight, multiple wall thicknesses, etc?

Chad