Hi All, I've just restored an old Merlin and am looking for a budget but decent suit of sails I can use to join the veteran circuit and club race. If you have a set (larger spinnaker as well would be good) and live not too far from West Sussex I would be interested to hear from you.

This advert looks perfect for you.....

Just how much are you looking to spend? There may be some ex development sails coming up for grabs in the near future from Hydes, I'd be happy to discuss the options in more detail.

I'll be looking for some newer s/h sails in the near future (end Sept).
I don't think we're competing 'cos the older boats will have (IIRC) a different luff/boom measurement and therefore different jib size 

Cheers,

Colin (3387)

Hi Colin, we have just finished Camel week following our refurbishment and hoisted a newish set of Speed Sails for the first time on the first day. Surprising they fitted reasonably well on the original tin stick. We had to progressively add shackles to the forestay to get some rake, but that was about it.

Cheers

Andy
Enchantment - MR 3386

See you at Looe in '08

Thanks Guys, I'll follow these two possibilities up.

Andy,
Thanks for the info - a couple of the sailmekers I talked to suggested that a modern (carbon) cut sail would be quite good (though not perfect) on the aluminium mast (the sort that is stepped at the top of the c/board case height). That gives me a lot more choices when I'm looking for a better suit of sails.

I've just gone around and set up the rake adjustment (moved the foot forward) but it's a bit limited with the strut adjustment. 

I'd really like to be at Looe - all I have to do is persuade my other half that she really wants to crew all week.....
or alternatively, she wants to helm all week....

Cheers,
Colin

Have just set the "new" mast up on Gannet and now have to adjust the rake.  Had clean forgotten that I have the foot adjustment option as well with the superspars mast step as the old mast had a single inkwell style.  That should help more than a bit.

We thought about the missus helming, but a mixed 5 boat fleet start was a little too scary for her. I am trying to avoid mentioning the 2 hour races and the sail to and from the beach as this is likely to cost bigtime!

Should also mention that most modern sails are loose footed with a strap for the mainsail clew. The Speed sails we used had a loop that went round our Superspars boom, but worth checking. We have a Winder keel stepped boat (Procter mast) and once the rake was somewhere near we felt able to compete (ish) with the modern boats at Rock. that was until we found that our spinnaker was a little smaller than theirs and they disappeared downwind.

The biggest difference between the old and new sails is the lack of adjustment, you only seem to "fiddle" with the kicker and rake. Didn't even bother with a cunningham! Oh, yes, a square top hoop is essential as you cannot get the boom near the centreline with a round top, unless you apply massive mainsheet tension.

Anyone know of a baby sitter for Looe next?

If you have a Superspars ali boom (others may be the same but I know definately the superspar) then the loop / strap is unlikely to be perfect, however any sailmaker will be able to fit a "torpedo" which will slot into the boom.

im glad to see Andy Hay and 3389 is considering attending the champs next year.  3379 gave it a valiant attempt this year with round hoop and ally spars.