Condor’s new clothes

As I mentioned in a previous post, Condor’s mainsail was toast. Okay, it wasn’t actually toast, as toast might be something useful. While it had no holes, it was badly UV damaged and very stained with mildew and mold. When the finger test was applied, its weakness was exposed. More accurately, my finger was exposed as it easily punctured through the cloth.

So, picture this: Condor clothed in a bright, white garment, crisp and almost blinding. Brand new and freshly put on today! Untouched by human hands. Isn’t it beautiful? Not really. Actually, I’m quite sick of it. We’ve had almost 4’ of this garbage in the past few days. My back is aching from the little bit of clearing I’ve done around here. Now I have to shovel the white death off poor Condor.

Back on point. Condor’s mainsail is shot. I was hoping that it might be salvageable, but alas, it is not. Being cheap, yes, cheap as anyone who knows me will confirm, I’ll strip the battens, and slugs off the sail and donate it to Seabags or Ella Vickers. In return, they’ll give me a nice bag. Not that I need another bag. I think we’ve accumulated about a dozen various totes and duffels. The last duffel I got from Ella is so huge, it can’t be moved when filled.

Wow, it is so easy to wander off point. I suppose it’s the ADD. So, I’ve got to come up with a new main. The jib and Genoa are both in great shape. The PO only club raced the boat and I don’t think he did that often. He always raced non-spin, so the spinnaker is virtually untouched. I think he said he hoisted it once.

You would think that being cheap, I would go to Bacon’s and find something that would fit. Well, the thought did cross my mind. Nothing was close that was any good. I can’t see paying a grand for a used sail then paying to have it recut to fit. So, my desire for quality and performance choked my cheapness and prevailed. So a new mainsail it would be.

Have you ever had to choose a manufacturer for a new sail? There are, what, about 75 sail manufacturers out there now? And everyone you talk to says to use their guy because all the others are worthless. But then the cheapness reared its beautiful head (you thought I was going to say “ugly head”. But no, I think cheap is beautiful. Sailrite! Yeah, that’s the answer. I can buy a kit for $1200 and come out with a brand new sail. I’m sure I can handle building the sail. After all, I’ve been repairing and rebuilding sails for years. The DSC has the great old singer from 1930. With the DC repower, it has no problem punching through multiple layers of cloth. Hmm, but with no reverse, it is kind of a pain to use.

Scott! He’s the answer to the machine. He’s got a Sailrite machine. It actually has reverse. And thinking about it, Scott built a main and a Genoa from Sailrite kite. If he can do it, certainly, I can.

So, I’ll order the kit and spread it out . . .Where? The garage attic, while it would make a great 24X36 sail loft, it’s a little packed full of stuff and it’s rather cold these days. Hmm. Maybe this kit isn’t such a good idea. Besides, when would I have the time?

Okay, back to sorting through sail manufactures. I can pay top dollar to have the sail maker come take measurements and build the sail, then test fit it. There are a bunch in the area. But, while I want the performance, I’m probably not going to do a lot of racing. So, most of these guys have a cruise branch that builds the sail to specs in a third world country. That would be cheaper.

A couple of on-line quote forms later, and I’m looking at spending at least $2500. Oh, there were those guys in FL that would build it for $2k. But wait, I’m missing something. Rather someone. Who’s that guy I’ve been stringing along about building Sonar and Impulse sails for the DSC? Ah, yes, Matt. Clarification – I’m cheap, but not a jerk. Okay, I admit, I am, at times, a jerk. I haven’t really been stringing Matt along. I seriously want to have him build sails for the DSC. I just can’t come up with the money to get it done. He made me a really good offer, and he’d build exactly what I want.

So, I contacted Matt for a quote. His quote was closer to the $2500. Being cheap, I had to ask if he would meet the $2k FL quote. Lo and behold, he said he would! Great! The best of both worlds – lower cost and he’s local (well, somewhat). And better yet, he’s going to measure Condor and make sure they fit. So, Matt, the check is in the mail (it really is, folks). I can hardly wait.

So what are Condor’s new clothes going to be? Hopefully, not like the Emperor’s. You all remember the story? The guy wants new clothes, but the sail makers, oops, I mean weavers pull a fast one and after spending his money, he ends up with nothing but is too dim (and prideful) to realize it. Wait! Are you trying to say that I’m shallow and pretentious? This is my story and I inflict my own doubts and worries. (Seriously, I have no worry or concern about the quality of sail that Matt’s building for me.)

I sent him the specs for the sail. How did I get them you ask? Well, I do have the old sail to spread out and measure. And, this is, after all, a Sabre. Condor’s owner manual, though 25 years old was filled with almost every detail needed to build her. And, this includes the specs for her sail including set-backs, set-ups, off-sets and other sailmakerly things.

My cheapness gets the better of me and I decide we’ll build the mainsail cover. Matt says it makes sense for me to do it.

So, picture this: Condor clothed in a bright, white garment, crisp and almost blinding. Brand new and freshly put on today! Isn’t it beautiful? No! Not snow! A beautiful new mainsail! I can hardly wait!