I have been reading your forum for some time and enjoy the information and subjects. I also have a question........
Everyone is looking for speed! Am I crazy for trying to slow down? (only on those strong, windy days). I don't see a way to "reef" the sail on a Prindle 19 so I am looking for an old main sail to fit a 1989 Prindle 19. Since I want it for a "second sail" to experiment with to try a smaller sail for strong winds I am not interested in it being in mint condition. I am wanting the bottom 18' to be in good condition but plan to trim the top away to reduce sail area. Will it work? Anyone have an old main that will fit my boat? Or any comments about the idea.
Thanks
Greg_D
Don't trim anything.
Use a Prindle 18, or 18-2 sail. Put about 1 ft. to 18 inches of line between the ring in halyard, (hooks to top of mast), and the top of the sail.
This will lower your center of effort, and reduce sail area, at the same time!
You could use almost any sail that would fit the mast track at the luff of the sail.
If it's not about the same distance off the tramp, It will reall mess with your downhaul and manisheet lengths.
Have you tried downhauling the snot out of it and getting it nice and flat to reduce power? It's often thought that you need to let more sheet OUT, but no, sheet it in hard, downhaul max, outhaul max, and pinch alittle going to weather, this should keep you under control.
The above sail trick is also an easuy way to reduce sail area.
Todd