New to the Sunfish! Sail question!

Hi all!

I just bought a 1980 Sunfish in great condition! One thing that does need to be replaced is the sail. I don't plan on racing so class legal is not a huge deal to me. I have found several sites selling some non class legal sails for around $200. Are these nice sails? Would they be worth buying versus the northsail versions that Sunfish come with new? Advice is appreciated!!!

-Ted

Hi Ted, I have two Intensity practice sails that I've been using for the last two years and I can't be happier. The sail is on sale now for $125 plus shipping.

Race Style Practice Sail for the Sunfish®

danpal said:

Race Style Practice Sail for the Sunfish®

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Your link takes me to a Sunfish video that has the skipper sailing with about one foot of slack in the halyard, leaving the upper spare hanging out in space. While the Sunfish seems to be moving very well and the skipper appears competent, is a loose halyard a good sailing tip—and what does a loose halyard accomplish?

In higher winds it allows the top of the sail to twist more, depowering the top of the sail and reducing healing.

Yes; the video shows the Jens modification of the usual sail plan.

JohnCT said:

In higher winds it allows the top of the sail to twist more, depowering the top of the sail and reducing healing.

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Wish I'd known that earlier. Now that I've moved the halyard cleat to the cockpit deck, it will be making strong-winds sailing much easier. As far as reducing healing goes—at my age—I need more healing than ever before.