Jeff McFadden wrote:Re your "NEW flat sail..."
I prefer to refer to them as "flat cut" sails. I've never seen a photo of one under way that looked flat to me. :-)

Yes, good point Jeff. I too prefer the term "flat cut". The difference between "flat cut" and "shaped" sails?

With "flat cut" the shaping is decided by th cloth, you do not have much say in the matter. With "shaped" you can at least indicate your preference :-)

As to "flat cut" sails being able to claw of a lee shore, yes that is proven. It is well known that the harder it blows, the better "flat cut" sails perform. You get the same benefit with "shaped" sails by cutting the topmost panel or two flat or with minimal shaping.

However with "shaped" sails you do not have to wait for a gale to come along before you can make decent progress to the windward.

The nice thing about junk rigs, you can decide what's important for you and make your choice accordingly.

 . . yes David , the Irish Sea does seem to have some ' less colourful ' patches . . I expect you'll be familiar with the River Ribble & River Douglas. I did the conversion at Douglas boatyard, Hesketh Bank . . a great little no frills place . . far more cosy than the marina at Preston.  

As you'll also know , it's worth the effort once you get over to Anglesey and beyond . . pristine waters . . wildlife . . etc . . but fierce tides !!

Annie , I had read somewhere else that you have restrictions on your internet usage . . memory availability etc . . I would just reassure you that you're really not missing out with this particular 'motion picture' . . as for the bilge keels . . . couldn't cope without them. I only float for about 2hrs either side of HW at Red Wharf Bay. It breeds a fierce tidal discipline !

Also . . general point . . I love my (NEW) flat sail !!

John Sinclair wrote:

Hello everyone . . first posting . . have recently completed the conversion my old Kingfisher 20 to Junk. Had a 45 mile 'maiden' voyage across the Irish Sea to get her to her home mooring on Anglesey , and all went well.. . sporting a new (flat!) Hasler sail (Chris Scanes),the only suggestion of camber was due to the experimental sheeting  misbehaving ! . . to be sorted later.

Anyway, did an extremely low tech, video along the way which may amuse a few.. . completely unplanned . . taken on a cheapish digi camera . . Roger Taylor it is not . . . !!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTig0EP8PqE

What a nostalgia trip that was for me! Brought back all the joys of cruising in the Irish Sea - gas rigs, wind farms, big tides, brown water, miles of drying sands... ☺