I’m in the process of
buying new
sails for our Reinke 13m which is configured as a
cutter. I’ve been quoted similar prices for Tri-Radial with Challenge sailcloth’s Warp Drive
fabric (Dacron for tri-radial construction), or cross-cut with Challenge sailcloth’s top end Dacron Marblehead.
Initially I was leaning towards the tri-radial option for improved sail shape (and tri-radials sure do look pretty!), however the
sailmaker recommends the Marblehead cross-cut with two ply leech on the main and two ply leech and foot (Crescent cut) for the yankee
jib & staysail.
These will be largely used for
offshore cruising, frequently in heavy
weather (25+knots common, 40+knots regularly) and all too often upwind. So although this isn’t for
racing, upwind performance is still important to us, as is durability.
I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on this choice (tri-radial versus premium cross-cut) and if anyone has used Warp Drive tri-radials for extended periods.
Thanks!
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