Brief Update on Lenochka's New Sails and Imprending Crew Arrival
When I bought Lenochka 3 years ago I had my local loft check out the sails and do some minor repairs and the head sailmaker said I had about 2 or 3 more years before needing to replace them if I didn't abuse them. So starting last year I began getting quotes both online and at several of the local SFBay area lofts as well as checking the used sail sites for something that would fit really close. Oh... and watching eBay - just in case.
So a few months ago on eBay - bang-bang - a main that was a little too big and a mylar genoa that measured out exactly right on the luff and is a 145% LP. I was the only bidder on the main and one other bidder on the mylar just pushed my bid price up to the next bracket. I got the main for $450 - delivered and the genoa for $475 - delivered. Turns out the main was a Rolly-Tasker, 7.4oz, 2 reefs, cunningham, draft strips, 2+2 battens, flat slides. The original owner hoisted it once - didn't like something about it, left it at the loft without paying. The loft later went bankrupt and Atlantic Sails got it and eBay'ed it. The mylar is a UK Ultra Tape Drive, good for 0-15mph - the original owner used it 2 times in less than 5mph and then got rid of the boat - but kept the sail - and finally decided to eBay it.
Off to the local loft - shorten the foot 4", the luff by 9" and put on and aluminum headboard, convert the slides to slugs, and put on C 9.2 insignia for the main. The genoa had additional reinforcing on the luff tape then new bronze hanks installed. I was mentally prepared for a $500-$600 loft bill - but after reviewing the detail on a $750 bill decided that it wasn't really out of line (the slides, headboard, hanks were all new and had to be ordered). While the loft is doing their thing I had a diver come and clean the hull - I'm in an area with a lot of shellfish and they like my keel.
Two weekends ago - off to install the new sails and get a day of sailing in. Hoisted the main at the dock to check it out - and it wouldn't hoist the last 12" or so - took me a few minutes to realize that it wasn't stuck on the mast - the #2 reef line was too short. Undid both reef lines - hoisted away. Nice fit. Checked the reefing line length - I need to replace both reeflines becasue they are both a bit too short - the new reef points are higher than on my old sail. Re-rigged the #2 line to the #1 reef point; checked the genoa - good fit. Away I went sailing.
WOW! I "knew" (academically and from discussion group) that having new sails can make a boat perform better - but this was my first real experience. Now I KNOW! The wind that day was between 5-8mph off of SFO and the knotmeter was regularly showing 9+mph on a close reach - between 1 and 2mph better than with the old sails. Next time I'll remember to bring the GPS.
I hadn't thought my old main was too bad, there was still a fair amount of stiffness in it - until I had it next to the new main. The difference is night and day when they are side by side. Can't wait to get out again - hopefully with another hand on board so that I can really pay attention to sail trim.
New crew report - I got to go sailing 2 weeks ago because that was the weekend when the wife moved to her father's home to be close to the hospital in SF as we are expecting our second (my third). We actually live in San Jose, about 48 miles from her chosen doctor and his preferred hospital. I just talked to her a few moments ago - probably no delivery tonight, but - maybe - within the next 36 hours I'll get the call to come to the hospital.
New sails, new crew member - it's going to be a good Christmas!
Tom Tilley
1982 Cal 9.2 "Lenochka" Hull #53
San Mateo, CA
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com