2013-01-22
The jib from North Sails which was delivered as standard on the boat wasn't the optimal sail regarding size, material and performance. The performance was especially irritating when friends with older 370's but with newer sails, left us behind every time we sailed together.

After reviewing the market and talking to several people the order went to the Swedish company Gransegel who have a loft in Stockholm. Their guidance on materials etc. was especially valuable for us as we did not know much about sails. Also the after sales support (plus sailing with us for couple of hours on our boat) was great as we had the opportunity to learn and understand the sails better, how they should be set and how to read them in order to trim them.

The product name of the jib is "Glider" and it has two vertical battens. The shorter one is a rigid flat batten and the longer one is a flexible round batten which allows it to be taken out on deck, if necessary, without having to take down the whole sail. This batten can be easily coiled and stored under deck which is not possible with the more rigid battens. The cut of the jib is designed so that it will pass the running light on the mast without any contact so no wear on the jib or light.

Below is a comparison of the standard jib delivered by Hanse on top of the new jib from Gransegel. The difference is about 4-5 sqm.
 

The sail as it is imagined on the boat by the designer at Gransegel loft.

Click here (or on the picture) for a 3D modelling picture that you can turn around and view from different angles.

 

The sail in reality on S/Y Älva