[bolger] Windsprint with a Polytarp Lateen Rig
Bolgeradoes,
Had my Windsprint out today for a few minutes. Tried my home made polytarp
lateen rig sail. I didn't give if much of a test as it was raining and
hailing and the water in my nearby test lake was so cold my sandal shod feet
were turned to ice blocks in no time and the little bit of water sloshing
around on the floor was uncomfortable. Mostly though, I didn't want a mishaps
to dump me out in the icy deep.
Having said that, the lateen rig seemed to work fine. I figure it about 75
sq. ft. The yard and boom are both about 14ft. six inch and the luff and foot
about 14 ft. The shape is to the same angle as a sunfish sail. To create a
belly in the sail I cut the luff and foot to a curve outside the straight
lines of the sail shape. When the sail is tied on to the boom and yard it has
shape!
In the few moments I sailed her in light breezes, she seemed docile but
nicely driven. I be eager to test her out in a stronger breeze to see how she
points and to see if she can jibe without problems. I'll wait till the water
is warmer.
Mike Masten
Had my Windsprint out today for a few minutes. Tried my home made polytarp
lateen rig sail. I didn't give if much of a test as it was raining and
hailing and the water in my nearby test lake was so cold my sandal shod feet
were turned to ice blocks in no time and the little bit of water sloshing
around on the floor was uncomfortable. Mostly though, I didn't want a mishaps
to dump me out in the icy deep.
Having said that, the lateen rig seemed to work fine. I figure it about 75
sq. ft. The yard and boom are both about 14ft. six inch and the luff and foot
about 14 ft. The shape is to the same angle as a sunfish sail. To create a
belly in the sail I cut the luff and foot to a curve outside the straight
lines of the sail shape. When the sail is tied on to the boom and yard it has
shape!
In the few moments I sailed her in light breezes, she seemed docile but
nicely driven. I be eager to test her out in a stronger breeze to see how she
points and to see if she can jibe without problems. I'll wait till the water
is warmer.
Mike Masten