sailingdeacon
Member III
I race my 1987 E34 but do not have a proper headsail for 18to upper 20's. The sail must be furling. I first leaned toward a blade but am told the design of 1980's boats with large fore triangles did much better with a traditional overlaping headsail (plus I was encouraged to get leach battens) Then I leaned to a traditional tri radial overlapping headsail. I read more about the battens in the leach - even for this sail - which appeared to me would force a under 100% sail because of the banging of the battens on the forward lowers or mast - which would force me to under 100% and a very carefull measurement to decide if the leads are outside or inside the forward shroud. I am concerned that with under 100% when I race in 18-22 or so - I would under canvassed. So I then lean toward a 100 to 110% without battens and go for a little overlapp which I feel the boat was designed for. I feel I do not need over about 105% because the E34 is so easily driven and a little tender anyway - plus it would allow for even up to 30 windspeed. Our conditions in NC are winds often 18-25 and only very unusual racing at 25+ but that can happpen also. Sooooooo your expertise please.