Pippins
Member
I have read many posts about the difference between the racing and recreational sail. Out of curiosity I decided to pull a few old sails to compare them. The first two sails I chose were a North recreational sail from 2007 and a North racing sail from the 2008 worlds. I use a stake to tie the ends down and compare them for foot, luff and leach length. The sails were nearly identical. Same measurements within 1/2 inch ( 159 inch luff, 159 inch foot, 169 inch leach). In addition, the foot and luff rounds were the same as well. The material feels to be of the same weight and type. Panel construction and reinforcing details nearly identical. The only differences I could spot were the racing sail has the Cunningham grommet, a window, and additional reinforcing panels on the leach between the panels.
2008 North racing sail - 79 sqft
2007 North recreational sail - 79 sqft
Out of curiosity I pulled out a few more sails to compare.
1976 OEM recreational sail (complete with stars!) - 79 sqft - Measures identical to the 2008 North racing sail, noticeably lighter material, flatter cut with less foot and luff round.
2018 Intensity racing sail - 79 sqft - Measures same as 2008 North racing sail.
1980s no name recreational sail - 77 sqft - Measured slightly under the other sails - noticeably lighter material, much flatter cut with less foot and luff round.
2008 North racing sail - 79 sqft
2007 North recreational sail - 79 sqft
Out of curiosity I pulled out a few more sails to compare.
1976 OEM recreational sail (complete with stars!) - 79 sqft - Measures identical to the 2008 North racing sail, noticeably lighter material, flatter cut with less foot and luff round.
2018 Intensity racing sail - 79 sqft - Measures same as 2008 North racing sail.
1980s no name recreational sail - 77 sqft - Measured slightly under the other sails - noticeably lighter material, much flatter cut with less foot and luff round.