[C38] new headsail

[S Orton]

David,  I personally would stay away from carbon material unless you have very deep pockets.  Carbon fiber is one of the strongest materials considering weight, but it doesn't like to bent as in folding , stepped on, slamming against the shrouds or mast when you tack.  I raced in the Southern Cal Cat 38 Nationals for four years and the skippers who used carbon head sails replaced them every year- you can make a carbon main last longer.  Therefore, if you are seriously into racing, I would stick with a laminated sails spending your money on a loft that has racing experience, ie. Ullman, North, Quantum.  Do as Joe said and bypass the head furler tacking directly to the bow.  I have the old Harken drum which can't be removed, but I bypass the drum, hanking directly  to bow and let the sail luff rub on the drum- this has caused no problem.  Make sure the sail loft has a copy of our class rules, so the sail is measured properly.  In Southern Cal a 150-155 made for 8-12+ knots is an excellent sail.  Pressure of 15 + kts with a 155, the boat will be on its "ear" and a 135-140 will be a much better choice, as Steve S said, which will bring the heel back to 10-15 degrees.  Use this racing sail only for racing and put the old canvas on for cruising. Cheers,  Steve O 
From: sportscinema at earthlink.net
Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2014 20:19:30 -0700
To: listserve at catalina38.org
Subject: Re: [C38] new headsail


Hi Mike,Thought you might be interested.See you soon.David
On Jun 14, 2014, at 12:08 AM, Steve Smolinske wrote:David, Ditto on what Joe said, before you spend any money have a solid plan on what inventory you really need.  If wind is as you say 8-12 most of the time building to 15 then you are in a nice groove.  My experience has been in less than 8 a nice carbon fiber 155 fits the bill above 8 we go to an STS sail 140% and carry it to 22 or so.  Most light #1s have that 8 knot range, Ive flown my over that and it is now in the loft after three years having the leech recut to  remove the nasty hook that developed from flying it in to heavy of air.   Most likely if you get a 155 you will pay a penalty of about 6 seconds the problem with a 155 is that in order to carry it in heavy air it has to be built for heavy air and will be to heavy of a sail under 8 knots.   Our cruising 155 doesn’t like anything less than 8-10.   You might consider a racing 140 like we have along with a drifter for the really light stuff below 4.  In that range of 4-8 you will have a small hole in your inventory but more money in your pocket.  I buy my sails from Dave at Island Planet sails and have been really happy with the product and the service Steve#312 PeregrineSeattle  From: Listserve [mailto:listserve-bounces at catalina38.org] On Behalf Of Joseph Launie
Sent: Friday, June 13, 2014 8:18 PM
To: listserve at catalina38.org
Subject: Re: [C38] new headsail David,
    We are hull number 365 in Santa Barbara. We were cruisers long ago but took the first steps down the slippery slope to racing. We have a Harken split drim furler which can be taken off for racing leaving twin headsail grooves. For cruising, the furling sail can be put right back on.  I suggest you find a good sailmaker and let him advise you on what to do. We work with Deke Klatt  at Ullman. Deke is a J-24 world champion among other things but is very laid back and easy to work with. I think you will get dissatisfied racing with cruising sails. Been there - did not work. Before you spend a dime I suggest you some up to SAnta Barbara some weekend when you are not racing in MDR to look over Macavity and sail with us. Our boat is much modified. We sail or race every sunday and wednesday. Last wednesday we got first in a 16 boat fleet.  I have been told that significant others can find something to do in Santa Barbara whatever her interests. Call me cell 805-451-6388. JoeOn 6/13/2014 6:08 PM, David Stoltz wrote: Hi all, I own hull #297 here in Marina Del Rey, CA. I started racing the boat last year and have done pretty well so far. This past weekend we took a first inin our class in the Del Rey YC race from MDR to Catalina and a second on the return Sunday.  I need to buy a new headsail and am not sure what to get. The other 38 racing has a 155 laminated sail. The average wind here is usually between 8 to 12 knots, occasionally building to 12 to 15. I have roller furling so I would like to have an all-around sail that I could go with most of the time. The other question is should I stay with a good Dacron or spring for the extra bucks and go with a laminated sail? We spend about 60% of the time pleasure sailing, but I would like to get the maximum performance out of the boat when racing. All suggestions welcome... Thanks very much, your input is greatly appreciated. David StoltzAndiamo      _______________________________________________Listserve mailing listListserve at catalina38.orghttp://catalina38.org/mailman/listinfo/listserve_catalina38.org  _______________________________________________
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David StoltzExecutive Producer310.785.9100





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