Cruising Sails & The Value of Quality
Good quality sails are probably more important to the cruiser than they are to the racer. If for no other reason than for that of safety, the cruiser should have structurally sound and good performing sails.
Consider these benefits of good sails;
1)Good Sails Save You Time ~With good sails it takes less time to arrive at the new harbor or anchorage, saving you crucial hours which can mean the difference between pulling into unfamiliar territory in daylight, rather than trying to navigate in darkness.
2)Good Sails Save You Work ~Along with the time factor is the work factor. Good sails save you time because they you save distance; you have to tack less which, in turn, saves you work. A strange harbor can be difficult enough without being fatigued from a long day of tacking
3)Good Sails Keep You Safe ~Because good sails make a big difference in your workload & that “fatique” factor, you’re more alert and more prepared to respond to any unexpected issues.
4)Good Sails Save You Aggravation ~Poor sails, sails with rotten stitching, spreader wear & chafing, sails suffering from UV degradation and general neglect will always blow out or rip at the worst possible moments(not that there’s any “good” time for a sail to give up the ghost)!
Cruising is(or should be) an enjoyable activity and high quality sails are a key componant of high quality cruising .
