| moody1 |
| (regular) |
| 13/05/2008 11:32 |
Re: Problem with the leech of mainsail
|
Quote:
Guys I already have a spare cleat to replace it. The question is what to do with this flapping leech besides the leech line. The leech line decreases the problem but not eliminates it. So, I am trying to figure out whether it is a matter of trimming, or old sail, or probably simply the fact that all furling main sails (with no battens of course) behave like this. By the way do they?
Thanks
The vibration is caused by the pressure difference one side of sail to the other. The main is cut with a curved leech and so will never be a tight straight edge. This allows it to flutter side to side. As it does the pressure difference is bled of and edge then flaps back, to end up getting pressure difference again - the cycle repeats. As the sail generates more lift and speed the fluttering increases.
A simple illustration of the effect is the sheet of paper held in front of mouth and you blow along it. The free end away from you then does the same as your leech - it flutters.
As mentioned before, it shows your sail is working well.