In support of the Saimakers Economic Stimulus Program

With the state of the economy, I thought it would be a good idea to support the local sailmakers by purchasing two new sails. I ordered a new mainsail and light No.1 genoa. They finally arrived and today I was able to sail with the main for a little while. The wind was too strong to use the genoa.

The mainsail looks good and seems to fit the boat better than the last ,mainsail that I bought in 2001. The new sails are laminated with yarns of kevlar laminated between layers of mylar like material. Unlike the last sails, these are not assembled from cut panels, they are pretty much one piece with only a few seams across the body of the sail. The yarns take most of the load.

The old sails are still usable, but are delegated to backup duties as the "B" sails. As an old racing boat, I also have a "C" racing main, light genoas up to a "D" sail, a dacron delivery/cruising main and several backup heavy jibs.

Other racers supported the Sailmaker Economic Stimulus Program last saturday by participating in a race in Seattle from Shilshole to Scatchet Head and back. The winds blew a steady 25 knots with gusts to nearly 40. I was not there, but the photos and videos were assume. The sail loft was covered in damaged sails.

This weekend I am off to Gig Harbor for the Islands Race, the 4th race of the South Sound Series.

Where old sails rest until needed.