Thank you very much for the explanation!Most of the top junior radial sailors get a new sail after 6-10 sailing days for a race sail. If it is in light wind and you take good care of the sail using is for 15 or so racing days is ok. But you can totally ruin a race sail over a 4 days windy regatta. Using a blown out sail is pretty brutal. In light air you lose height and have to pull on downhall to get the draft in the right spot and in the breeze you run out of downhall when the grommit hits the boom. So all in all get a new sail for each big regatta when money allows and take good care of them. Store them rolled between regattas and don’t let the flap themselves to death in the boat park.
I see. That is quite costly for radial sailers who compete at the top edge... (I am also a radial sailer.) Thank you very much!The MK2 sail is believed to be stronger. Up to 25 - 30 days. Dutch top Standard sailors sell their ‘old’ sails on a Dutch auction site after 20 - 25 days.
Fwiw: sailors (or parents) here fund the sails. No sponsoring. A Radial sail that lasts appr. 10 days would set me back at least 8x € 625 /year... no way that I will fork out 5000 euros for sails alone.
Menno
Just to edit my response a bit. The number of 10 days is racing days so each sail actually lasts about 6 months. With 3-5 regattas, most 2 day and 1 or 2 four day regattas.Most of the top junior radial sailors get a new sail after 6-10 sailing days for a race sail. If it is in light wind and you take good care of the sail using is for 15 or so racing days is ok. But you can totally ruin a race sail over a 4 days windy regatta. Using a blown out sail is pretty brutal. In light air you lose height and have to pull on downhall to get the draft in the right spot and in the breeze you run out of downhall when the grommit hits the boom. So all in all get a new sail for each big regatta when money allows and take good care of them. Store them rolled between regattas and don’t let the flap themselves to death in the boat park.
Thank you very much, Menno! A group purchase of the sail seems a good idea. I will consult with other sailers in my area.Wow, I haven't seen a nice sheet like this! I think you've cracked the sail's 'usefulness code' with this one. And I fully agree with your planning. Be advised though that there's always something unpredictable around the corner: very strong winds during a period thus taking more 'life' from the sail in a shorter amount of time etc.
About buying sails: despite the more-or-less fixed prices of sails (cartel??), it's possible to negotiate a price when you buy more than one sail. A group buy perhaps with other members of your club?
Last question: are you coming over to the Masters Worlds here in The Netherlands in September?
Menno