Torn leech on furling main 2008 SO42DS

[Michael]

Hi there,

We were out cruising over the Easter break in our new (to us) SO42DS when we got caught in a squall that pushed the wind from 5-8kt to 40kt+ gusts. We hadn't expected it to be quite so strong so hadn't reefed the main, we now have a torn leech in a couple of spots.

Anyone experienced something similar, and know whether it's likely to be a repair job or a new main? We'd prefer a repair , as my experience is on much smaller sailing craft and my wife's is very little, so we'd prefer to learn on something a little more used.

Thanks,

Michael

[rene460]

Hi m, congratulations on your purchase and welcome to the forum.  You will find it’s a friendly place to be with lots of interesting and useful information and friendly people who will enjoy sharing experiences with you.

We have had a similar experience, though only to 33 knots, though that was the reading with the mast over at 45 degrees so probably a low reading.  Sudden enough to flop the pot of lunch cooking on the stove over into the heads compartment on the other side of the boat.  And all from a forecast of 10 to 15 knots.  So much for up to 40% higher than the forecast as they always tell us.  And we are a much smaller boat.

Fortunately we were able to head up, pull two reefs in the main, roll away about half the jib and sail away.  The log read a maximum boat speed of 11.5 knots when I arrived at the pen.  It is reasonable to doubt the calibration at that speed, but I noticed the reading at 10.5 knots, and that the log and gps were equal at 9.5 knots at one stage of the way home.  Even though quite experienced, I am sure we felt some of your fear and white knuckles.  It was a hair raising, white knuckle trip home.

We were lucky, there was no damage.  But I suggest that if the cloth is good quality and not badly stretched, a local sailmaker may be able to do a satisfactory repair.  But really, the only way to know is is to take the sail to a sailmaker and have it inspected.  If it is an expensive job, you may be be wise to compare with the cost of a new sail, though you will probably want to defer that until you get that delivery over so it is at your home port, and local sailmaker.  

A delivery crew crew will probably do a fair bit of motoring or motor sailing, so they may be able to go with just the Genoa and an extra jerry can of fuel lashed to the stern rail.  Or perhaps a minimal repair to get you home if you are expecting favourable winds.

A rough start to your adventures in sailing your new boat, but it will soon recede into the memories, even though the wind strength will increase your over the years, after all why spoil a good story with facts.  Now it is time to find some nicer weather.  In our experience, the forecasts are only rarely so far out these days.  I have read that nobody enjoys sailing any size yacht in over 25 knots, and now you know what they mean when you look at forecasts.  And you will probably feel now more confident that your boat will look after you in worse conditions than you will deliberately go out in.

rene460

[Michael]

Thanks rene460.

We’ve got Doyle’s coming down sometime this week to take the main off and inspect.

Certainly was hair raising! Our theory was we’d rather her go close to port than in a delivery.

Will update with photos and outcome once we hear from Doyle’s

Michael

[rene460]

Hi m, sounds like the way to go on both counts.  We will all look forward to seeing the photos and hearing what you decide to do.  

I assume that that you were a little suspicious of the sail and were trying it out in stronger winds.

Rene460

[debenbar]

We had a torn leech in several places on our furling main on a 2007 ds and the sailmaker commented that it was uv damage through the mast slot, hence the pattern of tears. Apparently it’s hard to repair and with the age of our oe sails we decided to go for a new main and Genoa.

[Tafika II]

I belive "debenbar" is right. I just ordered new sails. The leech is definietly discolored and degredated due to the furling slot UV in the sail. My new sails will have a protection cover in the affected leech areas. You shouod be able to a repair done, even it it means shortening the sail length along the boom. Once you get the sails sorted out, you love the SO42DS!

[zaphod]

Apr 29, 2019 2:24:29 GMT Michael said:

Hi there,

We were out cruising over the Easter break in our new (to us) SO42DS when we got caught in a squall that pushed the wind from 5-8kt to 40kt+ gusts. We hadn't expected it to be quite so strong so hadn't reefed the main, we now have a torn leech in a couple of spots.

Anyone experienced something similar, and know whether it's likely to be a repair job or a new main? We'd prefer a repair , as my experience is on much smaller sailing craft and my wife's is very little, so we'd prefer to learn on something a little more used.

Thanks,

Michael

I would be very surprised if a sailmaker couldn't repair the sail. The previous owner of my 39i managed to RIP the leech of the jib a couple of times and North sails repaired it. The shape isn't great, but the sail is still useable.

[Michael]

Thanks everyone! Doyle's hopefully down there today. Fingers crossed it's a repair, particularly ahead of her delivery to Wellington.

Michael

[Michael]

Hi all -

Update: It's a repair job. Should have the main back on board tomorrow (thanks Doyle!). Basically UV damage, but a 500-600mm panel should do use for a couple of years while we get some miles and experience under the belt.

Thanks all!

[rene460]

Great news Michael.  It will be good to get the delivery trip over, and a bit of familiarity with your new boat before having to buy new.  Also sounds like good service from Doyle’s.  Though if you can’t get it in Auckland, probably available nowhere.

Have a safe and uneventful trip to Wellington.

rene460