[MHml] big headed main

[Peter M. Garcia]

I usually lurk and learn, but now need help.  I asked for proposals from =
sailmakers for a new, bigger main for my 36' Newick tri, and a jib with =
a small overlap, to make her faster racing in light air, which is mostly =
what we have in the Gulf of Maine.  On a 14.5 foot boom and 40 foot =
hoist, I got proposals from 405 square feet to a huge, nearly square 529 =
square foot main.  The big one looks like an America's Cup Class main, =
or the one sported by Dragonfly, the formula 40. I think Dick Calvert, =
who ought to know, says too big a head on a main is slow.  The America's =
Cup folks don't seem to agree.  I'd be appreciative of advice, =
experience, or reference to literature regarding how big a head on a =
main is too big, aerodynamically, to trim, to maintain for offshore =
sailing.

Also received proposals for full battened roller furling jibs, some =
horizontal (stainless tape measure material) and some parallel to the =
luff.  Some strongly recommend one, some the other.  Some don't think =
battens are worth the bother in roller furliing jibs.  I'd love to hear =
from folks who have experience with these sails.
 =20
Peter M. Garcia

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