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Measuring for a lateen sail: See the sketch. Measure the length of both the luff and foot spars. The edge of the sail should be 3’ to 5’ less than the total spar length to allow for pulling the sail taut and for any slight stretching of the sail. Remember that all three edge dimensions are important; too long a leach gives you less head room. Please see the back cover for information on how to “try on” any sail. |
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| SAIL COVERS: See the sketch.
If the three dimensions shown are appropriate, a cover will usually fit.
The fit is determined by the aspect ratio of the sail. A tall skinny sail
usually has larger spar dimensions. Unless otherwise noted, all covers
have lacing lines and hooks on both the mast front and bottom. D = Boom
length from the aft side of the mast. MC = Mast circumference above the
head of the sail (the mast alone). BC = Boom Circumference aft of the
outhaul fitting (the boom alone). |
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| GAFF MAINS: Very few gaff mains come on the market now. We suggest that a gaff main can sometimes be made by making a single cut across a Marconi type sloop mainsail, lopping off the head. Some then make a jib or topsail from the cut off head. See the sketch. Request Marconi mains by the foot dimension. We suggest you scale draw your mast & boom and any range of positions, angles, for your gaff spar. Also scale draw the various sails you think may work, matching the foot dimension carefully. Remember the three edge dimensions we show are the straight line edge dimensions. The leach edge roach will be standard unless otherwise noted. Any sail alteration other than the single cut is usually not economical. If other alterations are needed, you should probably have a sail made for your boat. |