Sails for M Class

What are SERIES SAILS?

These sails conform in all respects to the current IMCA Marblehead Class Rules. Two main/headsail ratios are provided; 'O' SERIES 62%:38% and 'V' SERIES 59%:41% (based on their measured areas). The seam shaping and/or luff curve of SERIES sails can always be varied to suit a customer's individual taste e.g. more or less camber or mast bend. Marblehead SERIES sails are normally despatched within four weeks of receipt of your order. At the list price all mainsails may be finished with EYELET or CORD luff finish (for GROOVY mast, SLIDES where appropriate). For an additional charge a SMALL POCKET for jackstay can be fitted. Some mainsails may be finished with a large pocket on the luff - see POCKET LUFF MAINSAILS. POCKET LUFF sails can be rolled successfully for delivery.

And if none of these suits matches my requirements?

If none of the SERIES sails matches your exact requirements, a CUSTOM suit can be made specially.

SAIL CONSTRUCTION

STANDARD SAILS

Normally made of polyester laminate; mainsails are fitted with a headboard and luff finish as requested. Battens are fitted to comply with relevant class rules and as necessary. Mains and headsails each consist of a single panel of cloth and the luffs are shaped. The lack of shaping makes them suitable only for very small storm suits or non-competition models.

PANELLED SAILS

Made of 75 micron film. Fabrication from separate panels permits an extra degree of freedom in shaping the sails during construction. Mainsails comprise four panels, headsails comprise three panels. 

LIGHTWEIGHT SAILS

For best light airs performance, made of 50 micron film with a panel of 75 micron film at the mainsail clew. Constructed from light film except in the clew where local reinforcement is achieved by using heavier film. Seams are not sewn.

SHAPING

PANELLED and LIGHTWEIGHT SAILS

The shaping built into these sails has evolved over a long period of time and many generations of design. It has been ‘rationalised’ and even non standard size sails can be built with the normal shaping which we call F2. We can also make sails with proportionately more or less camber. For convenience we call sails with 17% more camber F3 sails. F1 sails have 17% less camber.

MATERIALS

Film, woven and laminate materials 

Usually 75 micron film is perfectly strong and stable enough for the smallest sails for Marblehead Class. However, laminate cloths remains the best choice where sails intended for use in stronger winds will be exposed to rough treatment, for example if they have to be removed from the mast when sail changing. Laminate materials have generally replaced the use of woven materials. For all winds except the strongest film will produce smooth, stable, stretch resistant, sails that will give excellent performance for years if cared for. Keeping your rigs in a rig box will greatly extend the useful life of sails.

LUFF FINISH

HEADSAIL - STANDARD

A small pocket formed by a coloured, narrow, folded tape. It is essential to pass a wire forestay through this pocket before use - avoid damage - smooth the sharp end of the wire first.

HEADSAIL - NON STANDARD

A custom luff finish can be provided for the additional charge

MAINSAIL – The Options

EYELETS - for luff rings or cord ties; placed at the seams
CORD - for sails made of heavier material used on GROOVY mast
SLIDES - for sails made of film used on GROOVY mast
HOOKS - for a jackstay; circa 150 - 250 mm spacing
SMALL POCKET - for a jackstay inside the luff tabling
LARGE POCKET - for a mast inside the luff

Please note

Sail prices quoted below are for EYELET or CORD mainsail luff finish. Where appropriate (LIGHTWEIGHT sails for GROOVY masts), SLIDES are fitted instead of a CORD luff at no extra charge to help the sail work well at very low wind speeds.