Marcia,

I have been working with UK sails now for 10 years and we have all the shapes down very well. Several other boats in the fleet sail with our sails and have been very happy. As to some of your questions:

1) Flattener- we went away from the flattener because it causes you to leave more sail area in the bottom of the sail instead of up in the top 1/4 of the sail. Plus, we sail in enough breeze most of the time that you generally want the sail flatter already. Having the ability to let the flattener out only adds more depth to the sail which isn't needed unless it is really light.

2) window for spreaders - we make this standard. It is very helpful for the driver or trimmer to be able to look up and see where the headsail is on the window without having to go to the low side.

3) Dacron vs plastic - Dacron works fine and is less expensive, but the plastic sails can be adjusted more and will hold their shape much longer than Dacron if cared for and not abused. Dacron is going to stretch way sooner than the plastic sails will.

4) Loose footed- everyone is going for loose footed these days.

e-mail me if you have any questions or want to discuss further. I'd be happy to answer any and all questions.

Cheers, Jason (Moxie #83)

:: Hi All-
::
:: We bought "Libra" (#113 - formerly "Sonita") late last
:: year, and are now looking to replace the 8+ year old
:: sails.
::
:: For the mainsail, we were wondering whether anyone found
:: a flattening reef useful ("flattener"), liked a full
:: batten for the top batten, liked a window in the
:: mainsail that would allow crew to see the jib distance
:: off the spreader?
::
:: Also, dacron vs. kevlar? Loose footed or connected foot?
:: (allows for spinnaker pole stowage)
::
:: And by what sailmaker?
::
:: We are appreciative of any and all input.
::
:: Thank you much.
::
:: Sincerely,
::
:: Marcia Schnapp

:: Sergey Lubarsky

:: Express 27 #113 - "Libra"