What type of sailcloth would suit PBO contributors looking to replace a mainsail?

Ex-soldier John Willis regularly crosses the Channel on Pippin, a Francis 34 Pilothouse. Recently he sailed from Guernsey to Shetland and back in his old boat, a Sadler 290. He’s currently cruising around the northern Spanish coast. John struggles with arthritis in his fingers and wants an affordable sail that’s easy to handle single-handed. Budget is a priority.

Ian says: With budget being high up on the priorities list, then woven Dacron will offer the best solution. They will be the least expensive and will also prove to be the most durable and most ‘trouble-free’ and manageable. Ask your sailmaker to quote in two good quality fabrics and, budget permitting, opt for the better one: it will hold its shape better in the long run. Sam Longley owns a Hanse 311 which he likes to race around the cans on the Blackwater in Essex. He races with crew but also cruises single-handed in French, Dutch and Belgian waters. Sam is in the market for a mid-range sail that will improve his boat’s performance.

Ian says: There are a few more options in this scenario. With a mix of performance in mind for racing and durability for single-handed cruising, a radial cut Polyester cruise laminate would be a good compromise. If the owner preferred to err more on the performance side then a membrane style laminate with a single sided taffeta backing should serve him well, though with the short-handed sailing in mind, I’d certainly consider a double taffeta if opting for the membrane option. Jan and Pete Dearden are liveaboards on their yacht Twenty 20, a GibSea Serena 100. They’re currently cruising around the Caribbean before sailing back home to the UK. They need sails that are easy to handle single-handed on long passages – often downwind – and are durable and resistant to long-term exposure to the elements.

Ian says: For this kind of sailing, woven fabrics are likely to provide the best solution. A top quality Dacron will do a perfectly adequate job though the woven Dyneema/Polyester hybrids will offer better performance while retaining the durability, albeit at a price.

Thanks to Ian Brown of OneSails n tel: 02380 458 213 n onesails.co.uk