How to fill leech of sail

[Alan Mighty]

Originally Posted by Stumble

All the leech line does is trim out stretch in the sail fabric, so for cruisers and club racers they can get more time between buying new sails.

I'm not disagreeing with Stumble, but I note that the mainsail leech line can be useful when sailing in light airs, especially on a reach, when you want to increase leech tension a little, but your boom is angled outside the range of the mainsheet's tensioning range.

[UNCIVILIZED]

Originally Posted by Alan Mighty

I'm not disagreeing with Stumble, but I note that the mainsail leech line can be useful when sailing in light airs, especially on a reach, when you want to increase leech tension a little, but your boom is angled outside the range of the mainsheet's tensioning range.

In that instance it helps to have a leech line which is also adjustable from up near the gooseneck. Which kind of makes sense for all boats which have such controls really. Especially when you also factor in wanting to adjust it when reefing, & un-reefing. Which usually takes place in the kind of weather that you don't want to within kissing distance of the boom in for adjusting the cord.

[Stumble]

Originally Posted by Alan Mighty

I'm not disagreeing with Stumble, but I note that the mainsail leech line can be useful when sailing in light airs, especially on a reach, when you want to increase leech tension a little, but your boom is angled outside the range of the mainsheet's tensioning range.

Add some vang, that's what it's for.

[CAPTAINRONBVI]

Linda

in-mast furling mainsails rarely if ever roll or furl flat. each time you furl, the Dacron cloth is being stretched. after 9 years the sail is gone - re-cutting is a waste of money.

even full batten Dacron mainsails, which are merely raised and lowered, rarely last more than 6 - 8 years if used frequently.

i think it's time for a new main sail. you might want to discuss with the sailmaker if a stronger cloth like hydra-net can be used. the woven dyneema threads will reduce to stretch to a minimum. since it is much stronger than conventional Dacron, you may be able to go with a lighter weight (thinner) cloth that may furl better and perform as well or better than heavier weight Dacrons of comparable strength.

when discussing a new sail with the sailmaker, ask if furling mainsails can be fitted with "over-head leech lines".

as for vertical battens - I've spoken to some sailmakers and they indicated that added performance and durability in furling mainsails is marginal at best.

in the interim, experiment with the all the trimming advise previously given till you meet with your sailmaker. take lost of photos under sail so they can see exactly the condition of your sail and rig. rig tuning is very important with in-mast furling mains.

good luck

[tinkrman69]

Do you have a topping lift or a boom vang? it could be holding your boom up too high when close hauled, which in turn will cause the roach to be loose. If a topping lift loosen it if a boom vang it might be improperly mounted.