#Laser clew strap Patch#

Sailmakers don’t always include this simple device with a new sail, since they don’t know what hardware you have or what your preferences may be. They became standard equipment on larger race boats as well, including Farr 40s and TP 52s. Simple Velcro wraps first appeared on racing dinghies such as Lasers, where they provided a lightweight solution that adjusted smoothly, allowed for fast sail installation and removal, and eliminated complicated and heavy track systems. Unfortunately, the car or slugs are often undersized or prone to jamming without help from an attached foot. For most boats, switching to a loose footed sail is as simple as attaching the clew shackle to the existing final slider (reinforced slugs are made for this purpose) or car.

#Laser clew strap Patch#

In a loose footed sail, the clew patch is slightly enlarged to compensate. In fact, the sheet load will always be carried in a radial pattern originating from the clew, with most of the load carried by the clew ring. Most new mainsails are loose footed.Ī common misconception, or at least exaggeration, is that an attached foot provides better support for the sail. Both are used on both high performance and cruising boats.

A sail with an attached foot, secured to the boom with a bolt rope or sail slugs, has a small advantage in area, while a loose footed sail is easier to adjust (flat for windward work and smooth seas, fuller for reaching and rough seas), slightly cheaper to fabricate, and much easier to take off the boom for storage. After settling on the material, one of the most basic mainsail design questions is whether to have an attached foot or loose-foot.