Don, read the book -but now have questions

[Ed]

Don, got your book a few days ago and went through it once - will do so many more times, but have questions about a few things. My 426 has inmast furling so no battens, also it has a B&R rig so no ability to bend the mast (I belive) and I don't think it has a cunningham (although not in the same state currently so I can't check that) In summary what should I know about a free footed sail with out battens that isn't covered in the book or intuitive. Thanks for any input. Ed

[Don Guillette]

ED: The problem is God put all the sail trim controls for the mainsail(there are 8)that I discuss in my book on a boat for a reason. As I mentioned to George, the fractional rig boat is more tunable than a masthead rig but it is more demanding and more difficult to maintain the tune once you get it where you want it. Missing the cunningham is not a big deal as the halyard does the same thing. Battens are a large factor with sail shape. The loose foot is not a problem as a lot of race boats are set up that way. I prefer theh bolt rope set up. The ability to bend the mast on your boat is a big loss, but you just have to make do with what you have. I suggest you review the function of the controls you do have and get them down cold. As I told George and have repeated 100 times, I'd love to sail on a Hunter to see how it performs. In seminars I conduct on sail trim, the Hunter owners consistently complain about how the boat sails but they can't see to explain the problems they are encountering. I really don't know what to tell them.