New Sails for 2009!
Well it is about time for a New Year’s Post. When I look back on 2008, I have to say it was not the best season for Roach. The weather was really the main enemy, especially on a boat that needs re-varnishing each season. Although lunched in mid May, I could only get the varnish on early June, one fine weekend. Hopefully I will get better varnishing weather this year, as I would like her to be launched so that I can have a cruise at Easter.
Me sanding Roach at Ipswich Haven last June
Several things came up from last year’s experiences.
The first is that in light winds, I really don’t have any useful sails. So I have ordered a lilac cruising chute from Lonton and Gray in Burnham-on-Crouch. They do a lot of sails for the Royal Burnham One Designs (also designed by Dallimore) so I think I am in good hands. I chose Lilac as Athena , Roach's cousin ship, looks very good under a lilac spinnaker.
Saying that I also have managed to get a second-hand Genoa and a spinnaker. The spinnaker is from a friend’s Stella, but it seems to fit Roach OK. So I have to make a few modifications in order to get the spinnaker to work. This includes a new spinnaker pole, some aft quarter blocks, a topping lift and an extra spinnaker halyard. Not a small amount to consider, and certainly a lot more string on the mast.
As well as more light wind sails, it is clear that I need a smaller headsail for stormy conditions. I was caught out in a F7 last summer going to the Walton Backwaters, and it was clear that small jib was needed. So I have ordered a Spitfire Jib from Jeckells which should be ready soon. I asked for it to me made in tan material, mainly as that is harder wearing material for a sail that will be at the bottom of the sail locker much of the time, but also because I rather like the idea of calling it the “Tomato Jib” as Adlard Coles did on “Cooee”
Me sanding Roach at Ipswich Haven last June
Several things came up from last year’s experiences.
The first is that in light winds, I really don’t have any useful sails. So I have ordered a lilac cruising chute from Lonton and Gray in Burnham-on-Crouch. They do a lot of sails for the Royal Burnham One Designs (also designed by Dallimore) so I think I am in good hands. I chose Lilac as Athena , Roach's cousin ship, looks very good under a lilac spinnaker.
Saying that I also have managed to get a second-hand Genoa and a spinnaker. The spinnaker is from a friend’s Stella, but it seems to fit Roach OK. So I have to make a few modifications in order to get the spinnaker to work. This includes a new spinnaker pole, some aft quarter blocks, a topping lift and an extra spinnaker halyard. Not a small amount to consider, and certainly a lot more string on the mast.
As well as more light wind sails, it is clear that I need a smaller headsail for stormy conditions. I was caught out in a F7 last summer going to the Walton Backwaters, and it was clear that small jib was needed. So I have ordered a Spitfire Jib from Jeckells which should be ready soon. I asked for it to me made in tan material, mainly as that is harder wearing material for a sail that will be at the bottom of the sail locker much of the time, but also because I rather like the idea of calling it the “Tomato Jib” as Adlard Coles did on “Cooee”
posted by Roach1948 at 10:33 AM
5 Comments:
Yep like the colour, but then you know that, looks a good functional sail, think you might find more uses than originally thought!
Yes, Indeed. I was thinking of getting a ghoster, but an assymentric, although a bit "modern" is a much more practical sail and covers more conditions. I look forward to trying it out!
& you will need a v good downhaul on your pole to make even more efficient.
ie able to be put around a winch - maybe
you might be the first Dalli with an assymentric?
Nico will not approve!
The whole idea is that I dont need a pole at all. Should really help with single-handed passages (which is all I do!)
As for the first Dalliassymetric - well, whatever, it is only a sail!
Think its great, look'n forward to pics & whether there is weather helm, or do you like me - should reef the main when reaching, but I rearly do!
I find with the spinnaker the helm is much lighter, usually very neutral.
Hope the weather allows the new tan Spitfire to be published.
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