What Kind of Headsail is This?

[sanssouci]

Originally Posted by endoftheroad

jim cate,
it is for sure the shape of a sail. it is not a tarp, although i might end up cutting it up and using it as such. i would donate it to someone if they wanted it, i'm in key west.

bash,
you are correct, the shape of those "loops" are "D" shaped.

I'll take it and we can try it out on my boat on Geiger Key (10 miles from keywest.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by estarzinger

I would guess it's meant to be a storm jib. It might be intended to be zip tied to the headstay thru those D rings.

As an aside, The ORC requires "for each storm or heavy-weather jib, a means to attach the luff to the stay, independent of any luff groove device.", and zip ties are in fact one of the 'ORC approved' techniques, not that any of that is likely relevant to this sail.

I think Evans nailed it here. Some races/rallies require storm jibs, and this was probably the least expensive way to fulfill the rule. It begs the question: why waste good dacron on a sail you never intend to use?

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by Bash

I think Evans nailed it here. Some races/rallies require storm jibs, and this was probably the least expensive way to fulfill the rule. It begs the question: why waste good dacron on a sail you never intend to use?

Seems way too big for a storm jib on a Westsail 32...

Cheers,

Jim

[Captain Bligh]

My guess is that the blue thing is not of nautical origin. It may be an awning or rain catching device.

[endoftheroad]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

Ive got sun shades made out of similar PVC coated material. If this is a similar material then it is very tough stuff. Mine, I know from experience, will hold up w no damage to 40+ knots...they then took some damage, but did not fail catastrophically.

Great stuff for a sun awning/rain catchment because it is bonded w adhesive not stitched and thus inheriently waterproof seams.

Is this "sail" made from intersecting panels like a normal sail or one sheet of material?

It has intersecting panels.
I had a quick look at it today, it's some tough stuff and the seams are glued/welded, very impressive work.

[endoftheroad]

Originally Posted by Captain Bligh

My guess is that the blue thing is not of nautical origin. It may be an awning or rain catching device.

It came off of a 34 foot Seafarer thathad a similar sail designed for the mainsail that was actually on the boom when my friend bought the boat.

So my guess would have to be that the "blue thing" IS of a nautical origin and someone paid good money for a real professional (one that works with such material) to build it for him.

[endoftheroad]

Originally Posted by sanssouci

I'll take it and we can try it out on my boat on Geiger Key (10 miles from keywest.

I would be happy to give it to you.
BUT, only if you promise us that you will hoist it in the very near future, photograph and update us here on this thread of your experiences?

I have a roller furler on my headsail.

[endoftheroad]

Originally Posted by endoftheroad

I would be happy to give it to you.
BUT, only if you promise us that you will hoist it in the very near future, photograph and update us here on this thread of your experiences?

I have a roller furler on my headsail.

sansoucci,

Would you be able to come to KW tomorrow (wednesday) to get it?
I need some misc tarps for some construction equipment and that sail material is looking good to me. It's some durable stuff.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by endoftheroad

It has intersecting panels.
I had a quick look at it today, it's some tough stuff and the seams are glued/welded, very impressive work.

Well, if they made intersecting panels that create shape and draft....then I think it was meant to be a sail...no need to do that w an awning.

[pistarckle]

You fasten a line from mast to bow pulpit , threading line thru the side with all the hoops . Then which ever side of the bow that you want to shade it will be ready . Most awnings install horizontally when near equator , this one installs vertically for far north or far south sailing . Either that or the guy got the fabric from his house roof in New Orleans and his wife got a new sewing machine and his brother had a glue gun , take yer pick .