Gestalt said..
The shape of the sail is dependent on the correct mast and the correct downhaul tension. Both work together.
Sails are not cut with a straight leading edge. Instead, the sailmaker cuts a convex arc into the front edge of the sail, known as the luff curve
The Interaction
When you rig the sail, downhaul and outhaul tension forces the naturally straight mast to bend into the sail's fabric.
Draft Induction
Where the mast bend perfectly tracks the luff curve, it pulls the excess fabric forward, generating the horizontal depth and camber that gives the sail its power. Additionally leach twist occurs as the mast bends and is designed to suit bend curve.
Broad Seaming
This edge-curve is used in tandem with broad seaming (curving the internal panel seams) to create the overall aerodynamic foil and includes batten curve..
Sails with no bend curve in the luff typically set with the draft further back in the sail. Think old school and are more prone to draft Movement when loaded.
in short. The correct mast positions the draft location and depth where designed and puts the twist into the sail. Incorrect mast won't achieve this and can also lead to panel damage as seams and panel are forced to achieve a shape not designed for.
I kinda don't get why people ignore the advice from the person who designs the sail when they say the mast matters. Same with people going off reserve with recommended downhaul and outhaul. Also, the test teams are spending months on the water making mm changes to suit the correct mast.. masts are built to tight tolerances. From my own experience and listening to what people post I'd say 0.5-1 percent difference in bend curve makes a difference. We need to Bare in mind a 2% difference in the bottom mixed with a 3% difference in the top is 5%. Numbers just grow the further the differences are.
I'm not saying you must use Brand specific masts but I am saying find an off brand mast that has the closest bend curve
Gestalt said..
The shape of the sail is dependent on the correct mast and the correct downhaul tension. Both work together.
Sails are not cut with a straight leading edge. Instead, the sailmaker cuts a convex arc into the front edge of the sail, known as the luff curve
The Interaction
When you rig the sail, downhaul and outhaul tension forces the naturally straight mast to bend into the sail's fabric.
Draft Induction
Where the mast bend perfectly tracks the luff curve, it pulls the excess fabric forward, generating the horizontal depth and camber that gives the sail its power. Additionally leach twist occurs as the mast bends and is designed to suit bend curve.
Broad Seaming
This edge-curve is used in tandem with broad seaming (curving the internal panel seams) to create the overall aerodynamic foil and includes batten curve..
Sails with no bend curve in the luff typically set with the draft further back in the sail. Think old school and are more prone to draft Movement when loaded.
in short. The correct mast positions the draft location and depth where designed and puts the twist into the sail. Incorrect mast won't achieve this and can also lead to panel damage as seams and panel are forced to achieve a shape not designed for.
I kinda don't get why people ignore the advice from the person who designs the sail when they say the mast matters. Same with people going off reserve with recommended downhaul and outhaul. Also, the test teams are spending months on the water making mm changes to suit the correct mast.. masts are built to tight tolerances. From my own experience and listening to what people post I'd say 0.5-1 percent difference in bend curve makes a difference. We need to Bare in mind a 2% difference in the bottom mixed with a 3% difference in the top is 5%. Numbers just grow the further the differences are.
I'm not saying you must use Brand specific masts but I am saying find an off brand mast that has the closest bend curve
Even the recommended masts for sails can be out of whack, there is a reason pros test a heap of masts and pick a few that perform heaps better, same with boards.
