Setting up your rigging to suit your boat is paramount in achieving peak performance from your sails. On Ask Precision Sails we had a question from customer Jim who wants to know: “Should I add a topping lift to my boat? And if so how do I rig it up?” First of […]
Are laminate sails worth upgrading to from regular Dacron sails? Yes, in some cases, in others, no. The main difference between a Dacron and a laminate sail is in the shape of your sails when you tack and how this impacts on the performance of the maneuver. The price point also has to feel right for you. If there is a large difference in price between Dacron and laminate sails, then a set of high-quality Dacron sails are still going to satisfy your needs for the long term. It all depends on what you are trying to get out of your boat and which sails you will need to accomplish those goals.
Ever wonder what sail performance means? It’s several different components of the overall feel of a boat. Responsiveness, comfort, wind angles, and speeds are all calculated differently by a well performing sail. Sail performance is something that everyone should be concerned with. Sail performance doesn’t just affect when you get to your destination, but how you get there.
What is the best batten configuration on a mainsail for performance cruising? First of all, it is important to consider the size of your vessel and the roach that you have in your mainsail, this will ultimately determine which batten configuration will work best for you. Typically, performance cruising and club racing vessels will use a mixture of both full and partial battens. Darryl, the owner of Precision Sails, says two full and two partial battens is the recipe for success. Sometimes having a bit of both really is the best thing.
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Getting your boat ready for winter is an important step in boat ownership. Not winterizing your boat can lead to serious consequences. For the boat owners who are not able to continue sailing during the winter months, this blog outlines processes on how to winterize your sailboats engine, fuel systems, water systems, head, sails, and batteries.
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The question of what the wind specifications for cruising asymmetrical spinnakers is a tough question. There are many different types of spinnakers, each designed to perform best in different kinds of wind. The most versatile of these is the code 2 asymmetrical spinnaker (A2), an all purpose / medium running sail. Each series of spinnaker has its different uses and when choosing a new sail there are numerous components that should be factored into the decision making process. When you team up with Precision Sails you get to work with one of our sail designers to tailor fit your spinnaker to exactly what you’re looking for.
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When you receive your mainsail from Precision Sails we supply you with a Velcro strap which is intended to be put on the clew around the boom. This Velcro strap has a couple of functions. The first is for when you’re sailing in heavy winds or stormy weather you can wrap it through your clew and around your boom for extra stability and strength. Another is when you are not using a clew slug, you can simply use the Velcro strap and make quick adjustments to the tension of the sail. In this video Darryl, owner of Precision Sails, reviews the various uses for your Velcro strap on the clew.
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A boom preventer is a rigging system which prevents the boom’s ability to move past the cockpit when any accidental jibing or tacking action occurs. It works by restricting the range that your boom can swing. This is important to help prevent damage to your vessel, or harm to your crew. You don’t want your boom swinging back and forth from an unexpected gust of wind taking off your crew mates heads and knocking them overboard!
Quick guide on all things battens. In this blog we walk you through the process of opening your battens as when they arrive they will be zip tied together in a tight coil under a lot of tension. We will then discuss the straightforward process of measuring and cutting your battens and the tools needed to complete this. Finally guide you through installing your battens. If you have any questions please reach out, we’ll be happy to answer!
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Ever wondered what you can do to get a more durable and better performing mainsail? This blog post runs through the options available for you to customize your sail for your boat as well as your sailing experience. We explore the four key features to consider when selecting your new mainsail: Battens, Size & Profile, Reinforcements, and Reefs. At Precision Sails, we make the selection process easy, by speaking to you directly, to help determine exactly what you need from your next sail.
Read More about The Rundown On Mainsail Features: Battens, Reefs, Reinforcements, Profile
Is one better than the other? In this post, one of Precision Sails’ Senior Sail Designers, Jeremy Roszmann, discusses the details and features of the two sail types. Learn more about the history and background of fixed foot and loose foot sails. Jeremey also discusses how the differences in the designed shape of the sail and its functionality affect the efficiency and power of the sails. He dives into the topic of rigging and removal and how it can change removing the sail from your boat. Join us as we explore the different advantages and disadvantages of these two sail styles.