Loose Footed Main

[multimedia_smith]

Two years ago I got a set of light air sails from National... a 155 cut to go with a pendant (extension cable) to get it to clear the pulpit.  It has a great shape and I would recommend that approach as you can see under it.  I also got a full batten main of lighter material from them that shapes great in "no air".


My question is regarding a loose footed main.

I just got the heavy air jib from Dirk and it is truly a work of art... extremely well made (pics to follow)  I have been using it in conjunction with the original Johnson main because I don't want to blow out my new full batten "light air" main.   ( also don't want to roll it or reef it if I don't have to )

Today I went out in pretty heavy conditions, which wasn't any problem for the 60% jib and main rolled up to about nine feet of luff.  However when I was pulling the leech of the sail back to flatten it on the boom, the rear seam tore and I realized that the 19 year old sail has seen its best days... time for a new heavier mainsail.

I'm thinking of a loose footed heavier material with 3 reef points.  Is anyone here using a loose footed main?  It would seem like you would have more shape control.  Do you have a center cringle at the bottom like when reefed?  Also on this rig, I'm thinking of not going with battens.  What do you all think?

Thanks in advance

Dale