British Moth - sail cloth choices

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Rod
Posts: 123
Joined: Fri May 06, 2005 11:46 pm
Location: USA

British Moth - sail cloth choices

Post by Rod »

Not really a 'Classic' question but since I know there are a few British Moth sailors that regularly post to this forum, I'll give it a go.

The Classic Moths (USA) are debating opening up the sail cloth rules (for now only woven Dacron is allowed). I know that the British Moth allows both Dacron and laminate sails and wonder what percentage of the British Moth fleet is woven Dacron and what percentage is laminate? I saw some photos up at the Yachts and Yachting website of a recent British Moth regatta and it seemed the fleet was about 50/50.

Since both classes are singlehanders that sail mainly on restricted waters, I appreciate any insight as we debate the merits of allowing laminate sail cloth.

Thanks,
Rod M
Annapolis MD USA

http://www.earwigoagin.blogspot.com
http://cbifda.blogspot.com/

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Rupert
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Joined: Thu Sep 16, 2004 8:40 pm
Location: Cotswold Water Park

Post by Rupert »

Hi Rod,
I have a laminate sail on my Moth, and it in light stuff I find it really hard to read. Once the wind fills in, though, it feels good. I think the Dacron sails are considered easier to use on rivers, too, as it is easier to spot the shifts. The very top guys appear to favour laminate, though, and fly whatever the wind and wherever they are, as would be expected. I suspect they would do the same with dacron...
So, in terms of open it up, I think your main problem won't stem from dacron sails being superceeded, but from the potential of an arms race in trying to get the "perfect" laminate sail. We have seen a little of that in the British Moths. However, it does open up a market for nearly new sails, so not all is bad!
I know Mark has spoken to many of the sailmakers, so may have a more detailed view of things.
Rupert
Mark
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Post by Mark »

Interesting one this, the top 5 at the BM nationals went
1st Laminate
2nd Dacron
3rd Dacron
4th used both at some point during the event
5th Dacron
All the Moth sailmakers are offering both types and there seems to be no overall advantage to either.
Is there any such thing as a perfect sail ?
Bearing in mind the variations in sailing conditions and weight of helm, probably not :lol:
Mark
PS The split is probably 20/80 in favour of Dacron
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Pat
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Joined: Mon Sep 27, 2004 1:42 pm
Location: West Wiltshire (Wessex)

Post by Pat »

It might be worth asking on the Merlin forum as there's many Thames and pond sailors using either or both.
Mark
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Post by Mark »

Good point Pat, the Merlins and the 12s seem to have standardised on Dacron jibs and Laminate mains, with the exception of CVRDA boats which appear to use Dacron throughout
Mark
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