 
On the evening of March 10th, about a couple of dozen gaffers gathered at Jimmy Lawrence’s sail loft in Brightlingsea for another of Mark Butler’s sail clinics. In previous years, we have been shown how sails are designed and made, and how old, tired sails can have new life breathed into them; this year it was different – several visitors had brought along their sails to be examined by Mark and an instant prognosis given. Your area president brought along a jib that was so baggy it was ‘fit only for collecting water’, while another jib, though still nice and flat, had leach and foot that were so tired, it was beyond revival.
About ten sails were examined, mains as well as foresails, with Mark demonstrating how to adjust sail shape and draught by changing the tension on luff, foot and head. In summary, a very interesting, educational and worthwhile evening with lots of animated discussion…. and many thanks for the tea and biscuits provided by Mark’s wife. Bernard Patrick pics by Mike Robertson   |