Submitted on September 2, 2002 by Robert

Question: I have a genoa with the following dimensions: luff 50'10", leech 49', foot 23'8". Is it possible to cut 1' from the luff and 5' from the leech the foot would be okay

Regards Robert

Answer: Hi Robert. Anything is possible in terms of recutting a sail, but some alterations are impractical because of the cost and the impact on the alignment of the fabric. The least expensive way to reduce the luff length of a headsail is to move the head down the leech and cut the sail from the tack to the new location on the leech. That results in shortening the leech and luff by about the same amount. If your sail has a luff tape (not hanks) this is a relatively inexpensive job.

Hanks add a considerable amount of time to the project. To shorten the luff by 1' and the leech by 5' the sail maker would have to cut the lower 1/3 of the sail off with a horizontal cut from luff to leech, then cut the foot section in half with a vertical cut. About 1' would be removed from the top of the resulting "tack box" and 5' from the top of the clew box. Next the tack and clew boxes would be sewn back together so that the new lower section is the same width as the original top of the sail. Panels would then be added to the foot of the clew box to bridge the gap left in the aft half of the foot. It is not a difficult job for a skilled sailmaker but it is only worthwhile if your sail is in very good condition. Regards, Dan Neri

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