Precision Recuts

Broad Seam Reshape

Problem: Deep Draft. Full Sail. Can't point very high.

The sail depth becomes fuller and more rounded. The draft moves aft. You're no longer able to point as high as when the sail was new. The boat becomes harder to steer, heels more and responsiveness is slowed. For racing boats, the inability to hold a lane or position close to other boats can really destroy a tactical game plan.

Solution: Seam Reshape

Seams are reshaped and extra fabric is removed. This procedure flattens the sail and helps return the draft to the original and optimal location. Generally, three to five seams are remade to achieve desired shape.

Result: Faster sail. Points higher!

With the flatter sail you can now point higher than before! Your sail is flatter, faster and more efficient. Your boat sails more upright, and is far more responsive.

Luff curve reshape

Problem: reduced entry. Sail is hard to steer

As sails age, their entry is reduced due to a variety of factors. Stretch, as well as over-tensioning the halyard can reduce entry. Reduced entry will make the sail harder to trim, less efficient and make steering more difficult (and less fun!)

Solution: Luff curve change

Luff curve can be restored to help return the sail to its original entry shape. Sometimes a luff curve change is made to remove entry and flatten the sail.

Result: Faster, easier to steer sails.

Returning entry gives you a bigger range to steer inside of that is still ultra-fast. Steering will be easier and you'll be able to go faster.

Leech takeup

Problem: Leech falls away. Sail isn't delivering power.

On cruising Dacron^® mainsails and genoas, the leech can stretch and fall away, making the sail more difficult to trim and reducing boat speed. This is especially prevalent on larger cruising mainsails and mainsails with large roaches. Leech stretch can also hamper the use of furling systems.

Solution: Leech takeup

By removing extra fabric at a seam or elsewhere on the sail, the leech can be shortened and straightened to its original dimensions and shape.

Result: Smooth leech with proper power and exit. More powerful sail.

By bringing the leech back to its in-line design shape, the sail is once a gain a proper foil and will deliver efficient power.

New sail performance at a fraction of the cost

Older sails in good condition can be reshaped to return the sail to peak performance at a cost far less than the price of a new sail. Generally speaking, a recut will cost less than 20% of the cost of a new sail. Speak with your local Quantum sail consultant for more detailed pricing.

How do I know if my sail is a good candidate for reshaping?

If you are experiencing any of the problems noted above, contact Quantum Sails and we will happily perform a sail shape analysis and provide you with the results and an estimate at no charge.

The analysis requires an on-the-boat photo of the flying sail. You can do this yourself following the tips below. Submit the image to a Quantum sail consultant and ask for a sail shape analysis. We'll digitize the image, measure the shape, determine which techniques are required to address problem areas and provide you with a detailed recut solution that's perfect for you.

For more information

Sometimes a new sail is not the answer. A Precision Recut can help you extend the lifespan of your sail and maximize the return on your investment. Our knowledgeable sail consultants and service technicians are available to help you find the best solution for your boat. Contact your local loft or give us a call at 888.773.4889.

Tips for taking photos of your sail for recut assessment

1. Sail must be full, on a close-hauled course, trimmed correctly.
2. Photos should be taken from the mid-foot of the sail with the lens aimed at the head if the sail.
3. Rotate the camera to capture the full length of the lowest draft stripe.
4. Take a variety of photos from his location, as well as photos of any specific problem area of the sail.
5. Where practical, take a few photos from the stern of the yacht, with the lens pointed forward toward the bow, and up toward the head of each sail.
6. It is very important to note the conditions when the photographs were taken: time, date, wind speed, point of sail, halyard and sheet tensions, control line settings, backstay pressure, sea state - anything and everything related to the sailing conditions at time of photography.
7. We recommend keeping a digital photograph library of your sails across their lifespan. This data will help you become more adept at understanding sail shape, and will assist your sailmaker in their evaluation and recommendation for recut.