Recut Jib Sail ?

[seandepagnier]

I have a working jib sail which was made in the early 70s. It is in pretty bad shape, and it has a lot of twist toward the top. I am pretty sure it is the reason I can't point as close as I would like.

Is it possible to resew the sail to eliminate the excess twist? I was thinking about folding certain parts of the sail over itself and stitching it.

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by geckosenator

I have a working jib sail which was made in the early 70s. It is in pretty bad shape, and it has a lot of twist toward the top. I am pretty sure it is the reason I can't point as close as I would like.

Is it possible to resew the sail to eliminate the excess twist? I was thinking about folding certain parts of the sail over itself and stitching it.

If it is only twist, move the leads forward. That is the primary way to control twist.

To remove fullness from a portion of the sail, generally to move the draft forward, normally you would rip out a portion of the seam (but not the luff tape) and lap it further - folding generally does not work well.

Get a book on sail making - there are many - and you will get better advice than a forum. Many will say you can't fix an old sail, and there is some truth to that, but it is a great place to learn and the results can be pretty darn good.

Good luck!

[svHyLyte]

Unless the sail is really blown out, take a look at Sail Care for sail cleaning, sail repair, new sails, roller furlings and sailing equipment. And, as Thinwater suggested, learn how to trim you jib. See Sail Trim for a starter.

FWIW...