Submitted on September 24, 2007 by Christoph Tröndle

Question: Hello,

I just yesterday bought an only in 2007 used XM-2-mainsail fro my X-99. Now I have to change the sailnumbers to our number 337. Could you give me a tip, how the old numbers can be removed without having old glue on the sail and without destroying the sailcloth?

And one additional question: I got a hard and a soft top batten for the sail. At which winds is which batten the better choice?

Thanks a lot,
Christoph Tröndle

Answer: Dear Christoph -

To remove sail numbers ,letters, etc, we use acetone to soften and remove the adhesive glue that bonds the numbers to your sail cloth. Acetone will not hurt the sail cloth, but you should wear protective gloves like regular dishwashing gloves as the softened adhesive does become quite sticky. We place a piece of clean cardboard under the sail to absorb any excess acetone.

Take some regular white paper towel in three layers and place it over the number you wish to remove and pour a little Acetone on the towels to saturate them. Let this sit for a few minutes. The adhesive on the numbers will soften up allowing you to remove the them. If there is any remaining adhesive on the sail cloth repeat the process until you remove all the old adhesive. It liquifies like Jelly and is easy to remove once it softens up. The acetone evaporates quickly and is excellent for cleaning the area where you will be applying your new sail number.

Here on San Francisco Bay, our wind range changes dramatically by the end of the day. It's light in the morning (5-15 knots) and windier most afternoons (15-25 knots.) Softer top battens should be used in lighter winds becuase you want to have a fuller shaped sail to help generate more power. Once your wind range increases, the stiffer batten will become your choice. Take both battens with you and you will be able to adjust to changing conditions.

Best Regards,
James Quinby
North Sails Service, San Francisco

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