Dale Niemann Posted January 11, 2015 Report Posted January 11, 2015 Sorry, one more suggestion. I have never had a cover for the sails and have always wanted one. I am sure one would keep the sails cleaner. However, in 8 years of sailing and much trailering with our WCTSS I have only run into one occasion that the rain and mud it caused on the highway really got my sails dirty. Since I noticed the problem, I washed the sails thoroughly and they came out OK. So take your choice. Covers are just one more pain and additional time to launch and retrieve the boat. dale Quote
Ken_Potts Posted January 12, 2015 Report Posted January 12, 2015 The covers I made were very quick to use. Probably quicker than a tarp. They were just long socks that ran the length of the luffs. Quote
LennieG Posted January 12, 2015 Report Posted January 12, 2015 Thanks Dale. Look forward to working with Bill today (that's Docpal) on Peggy-O. He is in town on vaca and is helping me out today. Looking to cut a final template for coaming, build a jig for bending and even bend first couple pieces of 1/8" mahogany. Quote
Don Silsbe Posted January 12, 2015 Report Posted January 12, 2015 Dale, I'm about to start building a BRS15, and would prefer the lace-on sails for several reasons. But I'd like to reef in a pinch, too. Tell me-- have you ever been sailing, and had the conditions worsen to the point that you changed to a one sail rig while under way? That is the big question for me. I'm an old man (66), and will probably only daysail this boat when sailing. But it would be nice to understand if it is possible to reef this set-up while on the water. Quote
Dale Niemann Posted January 13, 2015 Report Posted January 13, 2015 Don, I have never changed to one sail when weather got bad. I have always reefed main only or both sails. I am thinking that keeps better balance. Two reefs in both sails makes a HUGE difference. And yes I have done it while sailing. I guess I should clarify that a little. I am not actually sailing when reefing. I set the mizzen very tight and then reef main, etc. I have done this in 25+ knots. It is not fun however. If possible, I like to skirt behind an island, spoil bank or headland just to make it easier. I have also anchored a few times. However, I do not know anything about lace-on sails except there are many ways to lace them. I understand a simple spiral is not the best. If it makes you feel any better, I am 74. Hope this helps, dale dale Quote
Don Silsbe Posted January 13, 2015 Report Posted January 13, 2015 Thanks, Dale. I thought you had a lace-on system. I can see where the sail track system makes reefing easy. I was hoping for a simple (and less expensive) set-up. I'd rather store the sails on the mast, and not have to bend them on each time, fold them each time, etc. but I am also a little concerned about not having reefing capability. I'm hoping for about ten or so years of gunkholing, so your "data point" is good information. I have a few Wayfarer friends in your age range who still race! Quote
Designer Posted January 13, 2015 Report Posted January 13, 2015 Don, You are over thinking it all. Just use the lace on sails and forget about the reefs. The one time I might have reefed my BRS in 12 years was during a race in open water with wind against the tide. The wind was more than I could use and I had to feather the sails a lot. With the steep sea I was taking quite a few splashes over the forward rail and every now and then I would misjudge a gust and ship some water over the rail. It got to the point that she was starting to stagger in the gusts and slow the boat down, the upshot was that the bailer could not keep up with the water ingress. It was obvious that I had to stop and bail or sail the boat under, I was leading the race and did not want to stop. Procrastination is one of my better traits but common sense finally prevailed. I bailed the boat and carried on, the fetch shortened as I beat to windward and the chop lessened and everything was fine. I hove her to and to park her which made it easy to bail. If I was not racing I could have done what Alan and Paul did when they lost their mast, heave-to roll up the main and sail under mizzen alone and rake the centerboard to reduce weather helm and leave the masts where they were. If I was reaching or running and there was too much wind, just let the sails go forward until I was depowered. I always thought that the third mast step was not to be used while alone and underway. It can be rigged before going out or if the shore is handy go shore and rerig it if necessary. Quote
Dale Niemann Posted January 13, 2015 Report Posted January 13, 2015 Don, I love your calling it a "data point". I am sure I will re-use that. dale Quote
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