I am going to sell my racing main and No.1 genoa that came with my Endeavour 26. Both beautiful sails.

I haven't used the No.1 yet. So I don't know what it sails like. And haven't sailed using a No.2.

I am buying a new main and genoa for cruising only. I already have a No.3 and storm jib.

So my question. Is a No.2 or No.1 a better option to get for just cruising on Lake Macquarie and some future ocean sailing?

Thanks.

^ this

You'll be lucky to get /4 of what the racing sails are worth new and that probably pay for the cruising sails you want.

have you checked out the dimensions of something like an Etchells to see if a main might fit if you cut a bit off the luff? Can pick up Etchells mains for under $300 in good condition.

BJRobinson said..

BlueMoon said..
G'day BJR,
I think you may end up regretting selling two perfectly good, (near new?) headsails, to get one (compromise) headsail.
Not only financially, as doubt you will get the cost back to buy the new one, but equally importantly performance wise, by having a better choice of sail options for different conditions!. And having better performance from a racing headsail compared to a cruising one.
The heads'ls you have now are good aren't they?, whats wrong with them?

If I didn't have any sails to start with, I'd probably go for a number 2 on the lake.
cheers

I have been told by a few people that the racing sails will not last very long with regular cruising.
So I thought by buying a more durable cruising sail and selling the more delicate racing sails would be a better option for me?
They are beautiful sails.

Looking at the sails in you pic, they would last a fair while cruising around the coast, just maybe roll and take off book rather than flake?

As I said, even if you could find another E26 to sell to, they might be worth $1200?

I would keep the sails you already have and use them till they fall apart. You have already paid for them. Adding at least one reef point to the main is easy.
I have a sail room with several racing sails that came with my yacht. Some of them new but I will probably never use them.
The number 2 is probably the handiest sail you will have. Using a No1 when solo is fine on light days and you have to drag them upstairs and hank them on anyway. Those "plastic" sails are fairly durable if they are stored out of the sun. Easily repaired with stick on tape. There will be a noticeable difference with the weight of these sails versus cruising Dacron and your boat will feel better for it. Just enjoy them.

Donk107 said..
Hi BJ

Something to think about is that people often by small cheap boats when they start out sailing and as they learn and want to sail further afield they decide to sell the small one and buy something bigger

Be careful that you don't spend too much on your first boat,decide to go larger and then find that you cant recoup the money you have spent on the small one

Regards Don

Thanks Don.
I have thought about this exact thing.
It will be about 10 years before this happens.
But I'm already thinking about my next boat. Well, more like dreaming!

Thanks everyone.
I'm getting a new main that has reefing points. Which the current one doesn't have. And a No2 which I will use more than a No1.
Yes I could have got reefing points in the existing main. But have been advised by a sailing instructor I had come out with us, not to get the reefing points in it as it would be a shame as it could possibly affect it's shape. Which he said was perfect.

sirgallivant said..
Well, ldunno.
I would sail with what sails U got, they are bloody good ones by the look of them, and get a tiller pilot, instead.
One would need a tiller pilot much more often than a second set of sails if cruising.

Thanks

I have cancelled my mainsail and am still going with the No.2 as I think I will get a lot of use out of it. Plus I have paid the deposit. The new main was mainly to get reefing points and to save the racing main for racing (If I ever get time to do it) or sell both main and No.1 to someone that raced.
I will use the good sails till they drop.

I have also been trying to get onto Xilarate sails at Ettalong on the Central Coast. I have left 3 messages and no reply.