CD30C Jibs have absolutely no shape. Staysail has battens

[CD30C]

I just bought a CD 30 Cutter, which I have been working on on the hard. I am currently working on the rigging, and dragged out the sails to take a second look at them. Both jibs are absolutely flat. I am not exaggerating. I lay them out, tug on the corners, and straighten the sides, and they lay there without even a wrinkle. There is clearly no broad seaming. The other odd thing is the staysail has three 12" battens.

They are both built by Vector Sails, Chicago. I would guess they are about 20 years old. The dacron still has life in it due to very little use in the last ten years. The working jib is miter cut with a rope in the luff. The stay sail has a wire in the luff, one reef, and battens (without a roach). I wonder if the battens were added later to combat some misbehavior.

Please somebody help me understand this. Is there any alternate universe where this is right?

The PO removed the forestay and jib boom, and used a large genoa. I am starting to understand why.

Doug

[greenwood]

I have the same boat. Most likely the PO removed the stay because it's a pain to tack the Genoa with it depending on cut of the sail. For example I have a 160 on roller reefing and to tack it I have to reel it in.

When I'm alone in a channel, I just use the main and club jib. As long as there is 5kts of wind it's fine.

I've had two Cape Dory's. One a Ty Sr, and the C30. Both I had new sails cut by a professional and saw immediate performance and pointing abilities.

If I hadn't sailed the boat, I probably would have done the same thing but now I enjoy the ease of the self tacking staysail.

Have fun and get into the water as soon as you can.

E

[pete faga]

Doug
Just a guess. Maybe the owner before(ppo) had the sails made up for blue water sailing and the po decided to go with just a large headsail instead of replacing both sails.
Maybe there would be interest on e bay or Craig's list if you are to dump them.
Pete