New "large" yankee.

[Jim Walsh]

My working sails (main, staysail, yankee) were all replaced in 2014. My "large" yankee, as described by Hood, was still in fine shape so I didn't replace it at that time. A few thousand miles later and it was really showing its age. Since the general dimensions were perfect I brought my old sail to the sailmaker and asked for a near identical replacement.
The first photo shows the last bit of stitching being completed. The second photo shows it displayed on the loft floor.
I'll be sporting a "crispy" yankee when I hit the blue water in May.....woo hoo!

[John Stone]

Excellent Jim. That looks like a nice sail. Who is your sail maker? I have a question— I have always thought of a yankee jib as slightly smaller than a working jib usually due to a high cut clew. The clew does not look very high in the photo but maybe it’s due to the angle the picture was taken from?

Also, I have observed on the forum that a number of Cape Dorians are using Yankees instead of say a big working job or even 120 or 130. Is this due to a helm balance or heeling issue?

Good luck as you continue to make preparations for your summer cruise.

[Jim Walsh]

This sail was made by Kappa Sails of 6.62 oz. Dacron. The finished size is approximately 285 sq. ft.. The photo of the sail on the loft floor is a bit deceiving as it is nearly identical to the old Hood sail it's replacing. Here is a photo my buddy took of me last October which illustrates the shape of the old sail when set. I've always marveled at how well Hood designed this sail. You can see well under the foot of the sail and it rarely catches solid spray. It holds a very nice shape when reefed and pulls like a freight train.
I can't speak for the others, but with a cutter the high clew assists the sail in fitting through the headstay gap, without hanging up, when tacking. I have just a hint of weather helm, ideal for me, and the Monitor has no problem holding a steady course.
I have a 135 with a standard working jib height clew which has a propensity for hanging up when tacking. I only used it a couple times ten years ago. The previous owner raced on Narragansett Bay with a crew so I'm sure it was no issue for him. It's a beautifully made Quantum sail, still crispy, which has no practical use for me.

[John Stone]

Thanks Jim. Nice picture too.

[jen1722terry]

Great photos, Jim.

That yankee sure flies nicely.

Ours is getting on in years. We use is a great deal and it sometimes take a beating going through the slot on rough days. We'll keep your sailmaker in mind when it's time for our new yankee.

Happy outfitting!

Terry