Periwinkle - New Sails Bent On

 

I have completed the bending on of my new set of sails for 'Periwinkle', with test sailing to come in the next ten days or so. The mainsail is the same as the original other than being made from Dacron instead of the Haywards Synthetic Canvas used on the first main. The mizzen is completely different from the previous one as you can clearly see. Mizzen area has been reduced from 51sq.ft to 28sq.ft, two pieces of running rigging have been removed and furling of the mizzen has been dramatically simplified. 

The reasons that I wanted to experiment with the new mizzen are :-

• Simplify the setting and striking of the mizzen;
• Furl the sail by rolling up around the clew and leech to end up as a neat sausage of sailcloth against the mast, held securely with a single sail tie;
• Lighten the tiller in heavy going;
• When reefing is required, only reef the mainsail (the mizzen will not need to be reefed); and,
• ...to play around and have fun experimenting!

I have high hopes for this rig, as I have found 'Periwinkle' to be a spirited and practical day-sailer and camp-cruiser already. However, the new mizzen promises less clutter, easier furling and stowage, reduced sail handling workload and (critically) reduced time at the boat ramp at the beginning and end of each sailing adventure.