Articles

This section of the web site is a collection of informational/educational articles intended to help you understand sailing better.
If you feel parts of the articles are confusing, or if you have ideas for future articles, please send in your suggestions.

• Glossary of terms.
  
• Mainsail Articles
  • Full-length battens - A Rational Discussion
  • Reefing and un-reefing mainsails
  • Batten Tensioners
    • Velcro Batten Tensioners instructions on use (PDF)
    • RBS Rocket 10mm Tensioner instructions on use (PDF)
    • RBS Rocket 19mm Tensioner instructions on use (PDF)
      
• Spinnaker Articles
  • Symmetric vs Asymmetric - what type of spinnaker for your boat?
  • ATN Tacker - look ma, no pole!
  • Steering on a Windy Run - how waves interact with a sailboat
  • Gybe Central is the focal point for various articles on gybing.
  • Downwind Sails for cruising sailors, with setting and dousing tips.
  • Spinnaker Tips and tricks for long distance Ocean Racing.
  • Adding a Bow Pole for an asymmetric spinnaker to a Cal 39
    
• Roller Furling Jibs
  • Sunbrella Transmittance Table -- how much light goes through Sunbrella.
  • White Sunbrella Border Troubles -- sunlight passing through.
• Prevent the destruction of roller furling jibs while your boat sits in its slip.
• Tedlar Films for UV covers...do they work?
  
• Spreader Patch Installation Guide
• CAD-CAM Using computers for design and manufacture of sails.
• OPEN 60 Class yachts -- are not all the same!
• Emergency Rudder installation suggestions and examples.
• Stepping a mast on an Antrim 27 (and similar deck-stepped rigs).
• Wyliecat 48 It is not every day we are asked to build a sail like this!