June 15 - 20, 2023 - After finishing the jib we took a few days break before starting the mainsail. It seemed less daunting but there were still some new things we needed to learn.
Figuring out which pieces go where
The Main has 5 patches (2 extras that are used when reefing the main)
The main has batten pockets, which aren't found on the jib, so we made a practice pocket to be sure we understood how to make it
Thinking about what's next. You can see the card table set up with the sewing machine in the hallway to the dining room, so we had enough room to feed the long pieces through the machine
Our first batten pocket
Double sided tape is put onto the patches to hold them in place while we sew them onto the sail
We spent a lot of time on the floor
All the pieces are together, the batten pockets and patches are sewn on. The main sure takes a lot of space on our living room floor
When we were getting close to the end, our sewing machine died. So we took it apart to see if we could fix it. No luck...we had to buy a new machine (although mine was 20 years old and probably needed replacing anyway)!
The final pieces were the rings at the corners, which we set with a hammer
BRICs ice cream to celebrate being done!
Wow, those sails look great!
Even better out on the water!!
You can see the squares just up from the boom that will be used for reefing when we sail in higher winds. (with the main reefed, there is less surface area for the wind to catch). When used, the sail is pulled down to the squares and ties are put through the grommets to secure the folded part of the mainsail. Extra rings were added on the patches at the reef line that are used to secure the main to the mast and boom.
The sun came out just as we were taking down the sails
Heading back in, after a few hours on the lake
The sailing club
Since I haven't done any posts about sailing prior to our sail making adventures...here are some photos from some of our favorite times on the boat
Ann & Erich
Beautiful evening at the sailing club
We even slept on the boat one night...we decided it was a little tight
Kev floating with a beer
evening sail coming back into the sailing club
Meg & Maddy came for a summer visit!
cheers!
Maddy jumping in
dinner on the boat
Bob & Janet
Kev jumping in
Cap'n Kev (captain hat was a perfect Christmas gift from the girls)
