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Related to the thread, I bought a new mainsail this summer. It's a beautiful and strong sail. My old one was quite baggy and performed poorly. The new one looks quite sharp, and performs better. So what's the problem?
The new sail is quite heavy. The old one I could hoist from the cockpit. The new one I hoist while pulling down on the halyard while standing on top. It doesn't just fall down like the old one either. I have to pull it down. With the new sail, I use sail ties, and try to flake the sail carefully. Flaking is even harder with the wind blowing. With the old one, it dropped however and I would bungee it quickly. The old one stored in a small duffle bag, folded like a bedsheet. The new one gets carefully rolled into a sailbag ten feet long.
I know eventually the new sail will becomE easier to use, as I figure things out (clean the mast and lubricate slides) and use it more.

But sailing a little slower with an older sail wasn't really that bad when I look back now.

I have a baggy old floppy one, Im happy to do a swap, I will even pay the postage

"Your terrible Muriel" Only an Aussie will know the meaning of that.
Mike I don't think the Americans have our sense of humour...But then again they do have Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton running for Prez.
One is a glorified Real Estate Agent and the other is a glorified Lawyer. In Australia we know where their Social standings are. Right below "Used Truck Salesman"
I have no chance.

P.s
The Blue pill is for sails like yours Mike

Yeah, ya gotta have a sense of humor to let those two run for Prez.

Rick62 wrote:"Your terrible Muriel" Only an Aussie will know the meaning of that.
Mike I don't think the Americans have our sense of humour...But then again they do have Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton running for Prez.
One is a glorified Real Estate Agent and the other is a glorified Lawyer. In Australia we know where their Social standings are. Right below "Used Truck Salesman"
I have no chance.

Did we let them or did it happen while we weren't looking... Geez

Did we let them or did it happen while we weren't looking... Geez

a

I'm going with the classic "it was sailing season here in the States and I was too busy out on the water. There is no cell phone or internet reception out there and my boat doesn't have a TV" excuse. Works for my boss.

Just a heads up guys.

This thread may be approaching the bad “Pub” water area. That's where moderator fish swim. Depending on your course, one may surface.

Ray

Phil M wrote:Related to the thread, I bought a new mainsail this summer. It's a beautiful and strong sail. My old one was quite baggy and performed poorly. The new one looks quite sharp, and performs better. So what's the problem?
The new sail is quite heavy. The old one I could hoist from the cockpit. The new one I hoist while pulling down on the halyard while standing on top. It doesn't just fall down like the old one either. I have to pull it down. With the new sail, I use sail ties, and try to flake the sail carefully. Flaking is even harder with the wind blowing. With the old one, it dropped however and I would bungee it quickly. The old one stored in a small duffle bag, folded like a bedsheet. The new one gets carefully rolled into a sailbag ten feet long.
I know eventually the new sail will becomE easier to use, as I figure things out (clean the mast and lubricate slides) and use it more.

But sailing a little slower with an older sail wasn't really that bad when I look back now.

I can relate. The old adage, "Be careful what you pray for, you might get it" seems to come up when I get what I have been wanting, and even that which fixes an old problem now presents with a new "adjustment". For example, I stated taking a light inflatable boat with a clamp on sail rig when my Admiral and I went on RV trips with our travel trailer. Ran through two inexpensive inflatables, and decided to invest in good quality Achilles. Finally go it. Great little inflatable boat; much more sturdy Hypalon, but with plywood floor is heavier than the cheaper ones with inflatable floors. Honestly, I have strained a back muscle a time or two trying to lift it by myself. Fellow gave me an old Snark last week, and I am now trying to rehab it and see how well that does as my RV sailboat. The chase goes on...and on...

I'm like you Herschel, except for all that knowledge, skill and experience. I'm just pretty happy out there if I'm moving at all...hull, even if I'm not.

Phil, but a bottle of sailkote and hit the slugs and track with it, that might help the raising and lowering. Also spray your blocks and running rigging if it's a bit old; All that friction adds up and dirt and salt add to the problem even if you can't see it. I replaced all the running rigging this year and that along with some sailkote made everything move real easy.

Herschel wrote:I own four sailboats!

I with you all the way Herschel! .... But with 4 yachts why do you choose to sail the Mac?

Phil M wrote:The old one I could hoist from the cockpit. The new one I hoist while pulling down on the halyard while standing on top. It doesn't just fall down like the old one either.

Hi Phil, this is good information. Just wondering what weight of Sail cloth is your new Main?

All the best.
Neo

Only 4 boats, my partner dreams of the day I get down to only 4, I have 4 in my front yard alone, another 3 at the yacht club, 3 in the garage and one stored at a friends place and I have given away 2 trailer sailors and a dinghy in the last 12 months.

No I not a hoarder, really

sailboatmike wrote:Only 4 boats, my partner dreams of the day I get down to only 4, I have 4 in my front yard alone, another 3 at the yacht club, 3 in the garage and one stored at a friends place and I have given away 2 trailer sailors and a dinghy in the last 12 months.
No I not a hoarder, really

OMG Mike, thats amazing

Neo wrote:

Herschel wrote:I own four sailboats!

I with you all the way Herschel! .... But with 4 yachts why do you choose to sail the Mac?

Phil M wrote:The old one I could hoist from the cockpit. The new one I hoist while pulling down on the halyard while standing on top. It doesn't just fall down like the old one either.

Hi Phil, this is good information. Just wondering what weight of Sail cloth is your new Main?

All the best.
Neo

It is a long story, but I will be brief. Mac is the "real" boat I have always wanted and I do enjoy her. 10 ft. O'Day Sprite is first boat I ever had; 57 years old and a family heirloom. 8 ft. Achilles inflatable with sail kit is boat I take with our travel trailer when doing the RV thing (can not go to nice body of water w/o having my own boat to sail). New addition is an old Snark I am rehabbing to replace inflatable on RV trips because inflatable just a little too heavy. Keep straining back hefting that little puppy. I have kind of gotten into this DIY boating repair thing. Kind of fun.