Chrysler Sailors Forum

Safety tip: Knowing when to shorten sail.
Knowing when to shorten sail can be a fine art. Most books, magazines, and training course generally tell you that if you think it is time to shorten sail, it is to late! So how do you know when to shorten sail? I suppose you can get a thousand different answers here but to me the best answer is to get out there on the water and become familiar with your boat. What can it handle. Also be familiar with your crew. What can they handle? For me, I prefer to shorten sail very early. My crew, bride, firstmate and best friend fancies herself as a fair weather sailer and prefers a nice flat sailing vessal. If your sailboat becomes overpowered, it can round up on you which can be downright scare for the uninitiated. Not to mention sailing with your rails in the water. A scared crew can leave you short handed when you might need them the most.


Todays question:
If you are looking for new sails, it is best to measure your rigging dimensions yourself and not rely on the internet for your answers.
Please match the following:


A : P
B : E
C : I
D : J

1-Main Luff
2-Main Foot
3-Jib Luff
4-Jib Foot

OK then, maybe the terms are not as familiar as I thought.

In the picture you have options 1, 2, 3, and 4.

You must match them with your dimensions choices: P,E,I or J.


Sail manufactures use specific formulas to approximate your sail shape. P, E, I and J are the variables or measurements you will need to provide along with what type of sailing you do. Race, cruise, etc. This will be the starting point of your new sails. KNowing what each of these values is on your boat will also allow you to quickly identify any used sails that might work for you if you go that route!!

Thursday I will provide the definitions of each P,E,I, and J. This will make the answers very obvious!!
Scott

Let me try I have been looking at alot of sail sites in the last 18 months

A : P = 1
B : E = 4
C : I = 2
D : J = 3

I hope

ANSWER:

Well, before I answer, I'll provide the definitions:
E: Length of the Boom
P: Length from the attachment of the boom to the mast (gooseneck) to the mast's top.
J: Length from the mast's base to the bow.
I: Height of the mast (In fractional sloops: From the base of the mast to where the forestay attaches to the mast).


With the given definitions,
The answers are:

P: 1
E: 4
I: 2
J: 3

Next time you are fiddling with nothing better to do, get an extra hand and measure these on your boat. Note them in your ships log, toolbox, lazerette, nav station or maybe just written on the hull somewhere. IF you are anything like me and follow CraigsList closely you will be in a position to find sails for your boat without a fuss!! Ya never know what will pop up!

Scott