Christmas shopping for KAYLA...

[mgphl52]

Hope everyone is enjoying a great Thanksgiving!!!
I pulled the proverbial trigger yesterday and ordered a new main & 135 for KAYLA
Just couldn't resist the 25% off sale from Precision Sails...
Plan to get measurements done this weekend to have sails ready early January.

[Jim Walsh]

Hope everyone is enjoying a great Thanksgiving!!!
I pulled the proverbial trigger yesterday and ordered a new main & 135 for KAYLA
Just couldn't resist the 25% off sale from Precision Sails...
Plan to get measurements done this weekend to have sails ready early January.

We must all strive to keep our priorities in order
My main, staysail, and yankee were replaced in 2014. I also have a "large yankee" built by Hood of indeterminate age. It still looks good and sets well but has no life left. I have ordered a replacement large yankee and I'm looking forward to a full compliment of "crinkley" sails.

[mgphl52]

KAYLA's sails were last 'new' in 2002...
they've had lots of air and lots of use since then and show it!
These will probably be the last set I buy...

[Paul D.]

This year Femme is getting arguably the most unsexy, frustrating, expensive, important and non-sailing-performance- improving upgrade available. A steel cradle. The old wooden shipping cradle from the days when MTV was new is becoming untrustworthy. This year I reinforced it with ratchet straps for piece of mind. Probably a good thing as, even though she is in a pretty protected spot, there was a 60kt blow that came through this fall. Here she is in the middle in "Cape Dory Row".

[GeorgeH]

Reading this posting I started thinking when do you know you need new sails? Other than rips or tears I is there a sure proof way to know when you need new sails? Also what about the running rigging. When should the halyards and sheets be replaced.

[Jim Walsh]

A sailmaker can provide an objective assessment whereas most laymen will provide subjective responses. That being said, some of the things to look for are a sail which is baggy or has a scalloped leach. These are both indications of stretched or blown out sails. This stretching causes the draft which is built into the sail to move aft. This causes you to heel as opposed to driving you to windward. When sail material looses its surface finish it no longer shines and isn't crinkley. Crinkle, in a sail, is good. As a sail ages the reinforced areas at the head, tack, and clew become easily pliable. This is an indication of the material breaking down. The thread used to tie all the panels together in a crosscut sail also have a limited life. The thread can be easily broken with a thumbnail when it has no life left.
A sails life can be extended with regular maintenance but no sail lasts forever.
Running rigging replacement is really based on age and intended use. Modern lines last for many years with infrequent light use. If you are headed on a long coastal or offshore passage then discretion is the better part of valor. I replaced all my running rigging last year after eight seasons use. I kept the old halyards as spares. I feel much more comfortable and economy is a minor factor in my case. Taking a trip to the masthead is not something I aspire to. I have planned for it, and I'm properly equipped for a trip to the masthead, but I'd rather avoid it.

[mgphl52]

As it turns out, when I pulled KAYLA's head sail, which has sac cloth in tatters, I realized the sail still has lots of life left...
Grrrr... But as I may have said earlier, these will probably be the last sails I 'll ever buy for her...
Since I've already started the order for new main & 135, I will continue.
If there is anyone nearby looking for a used CD28 135% please contact me.
The sail was originally built by Hunter Riddle at Schurr Sails in Pensacola in 2003.
It has a padded luff and #6 luff tape.
Yes, the sac cloth needs replacing but the sail is still crisp.

Please call at ate-5-zero-2-one-7-seven-1-five-7 if interested

[gates_cliff]

My wife asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I said I'd like to have a chart plotter. She said she wasn't buying presents for the boat.

I don't understand!!!!!!!

[Jim Walsh]

My wife asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I said I'd like to have a chart plotter. She said she wasn't buying presents for the boat.

I don't understand!!!!!!!

Stop by your local Corvette dealer and get some brochures. Place them strategically around the house.
Your new chart plotter will be under the tree Christmas morning.

[mashenden]

My wife asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I said I'd like to have a chart plotter. She said she wasn't buying presents for the boat.

I don't understand!!!!!!!

I'm sure she meant that she wants you to buy them, and let her wrap them.

[gates_cliff]

Jim/Matt:

Both excellent suggestions. Maybe I'll try he Corvette brochures for a week and if it doesn't look promising, I'll go ahead and follow Matt's approach!

The wisdom on this board never fails to amaze me.

[mgphl52]

Very pleased with the new sails!
Went out yesterday and played with head sail only... caught the GPS reading 7 knots!
Spent most of the time between 5.5 and 6.5. Must gather crew for the racing season!!!

new head sail from Precision20180127.jpg

Also got this "escort" for a while...

Escort service 20180127.jpg

[guy leslie]

Very Nice!! Helps with dreaming of the next season while 14 degrees and snowing here-
Thanks for sharing,
Guy