At the AGM, the new Chairman, Mark H. charged me with gathering feedback to give to Jon at RS and Hydes on any improvements that could be made to the sails before RS make their next batch-order.

Please don't take this as a signal that the sails are going to be completely redesigned - that's not the idea. [Notwithstanding that, does anyone know a trick to stop the top batten on my 8.4 poking to windward in no wind?? If Hydes could solve that, I personally might be tempted to sacrifice a principle for the longer term good. Changes like this would need a class vote tho.]

No, it's more about, for example, extending the dacron patch in the tack-corner to avoid the mylar breaking on the gnav-bars. Personally, I find my leeward bottom tell-tale rarely if ever streams upwind when all the others do - but I think this is because they are in the wrong place, too low and too far forward. Another easy fix.

Does anyone else find the pocket in the sail for the halyard to be mounted rather high up, about the same height as the gnat bars - surely it could come down a few inches.

Any other ideas?

PS No smart arse comments about "have you got your tally" to be inscribed on the sail either please

Hello Clive,
it's a bit OT, but why not change the profile of the GNAV bars (for instance they could be round on the inside).
I agree the pocket is not in the best place, mine is exactly in the most difficult place to be opened.
I'd like to have a 49er-like lower part, going round the mast and the GNAV, but I suppose that's not a minor change.
Best,
Alberto

I think we could attach to the sail a rope on or close to the cunningham hole in order to go around the mast and help to keep the sail close to the mast, thus having a better shape.(most of us have added one)
Having done that, we could also cut the shape of the sail around the rolling wheel of the GNAV in order to give it some free space

I hope my english is good enough !