Removing a Mainsail

[Bewildered]

The deeper I get into this Com-Pac Eclipse, the more I encounter things that I admire and things that have me scratching my head in wonder.  I had a new mainsail made and while beginning the process of installing it I found that there isn't an enlarged cutout on the mast slot to remove the slugs for the old sail. This is a curiosity that I have never seen on the many sailboats I've worked on. Surely, partially lowering the mast is not required for a simple task such as replacing a broken slug? I am hoping that someone with more experience with this boat can explain the process if not the decision to design the boat in this manner.

[Vectordirector]

It is designed to be quick to rig and un-rig at the ramp.  Push all the slugs down below the hinge, lower the mast and pull the sail out.  I don't believe it can be done any other way.

Fair Winds.

Vecordirector

EDIT: spelling

[Bewildered]

Thank you for your reply. I purchased this particular boat for its 18" draft and the very thin waters of the Vero Beach region of the Indian River Lagoon. My original preference was a Com-Pac 23 but my cautious nature and the shallow water around here convinced me to go with the Eclipse. I will use the centerboard when possible and deal with the resulting leeway.  No big deal as I am not racing.   To be clear, I do not want or need a trailer-sailor.  That being the case, I will modify the mast to serve my needs and not adhere to what the designers intended.  I will at most be dropping the mast once a year, perhaps less. I have looked it over, contemplated the results and see no problems with what I intend to do and how I will use the boat.

[Vectordirector]

The first time I sailed my Eclipse it was in deep water on Lake Geneva, WI.  I was experimenting and I didn't put the centerboard down in light wind and found no issue with pointing.  The next time I put it down all the way and it made very little difference in light wind.  As the wind picks up it and the boat heels it does make a difference it how the boat handles.

The boat has enough of a keel that it sails fine with the  board up.  I wouldn't stress it.  Try it and see what you think. 

Bryan aka Vectordirector

[Bewildered]

Thanks for the helpful tip Bryan.  I installed my new mainsail and stack-pak today.

[Vectordirector]

Beautiful.  A fully battened square top should get the boat moving in light air. I can't make out the logo, is that a Mack design? 

This sail is cut amazingly similar to the one on my Corsair Sprint 750.  Just smaller.  The luff on the sail is 32'.

I put simple lazy jacks on my Eclipse.  Worked well.

My sail was the original and pretty decent considering it was 8 years old when I bought her. The boat showed that it hadn't been sailed much and I grabbed it quickly when it popped up for sale in Chicago.  I'd been looking for one for a year.

The Eclipse is a great boat that does what is designed to do very well.

Fair Winds,

Bryan