I'm getting measured for a new main on Friday, this is the first sail I have purchased so I'm finding it a bit of a minefield. I'm working with a local sailmaker, so I'm trusting his advice for the options. Of the three choices he presented, the current candidates are narrowed down to either:

Crosscut in Contender Polypreg High Aspect Dacron at $4,700
or
Tri-Radial in Contender CDX Pro cruising laminate for $6,780

So basically an extra $2k for the CDX option.

Cruising and club racing use. I would consider paying the premium for the tri-radial if I can be sure it will keep a good shape a lot longer. Sailmaker has advised it would. What do you reckon guys? Anyone with either of these cloths in their sails?

You are in Tasmania so get him to quote the Dacron but in the next weight up.
Buy the best quality cloth you afford

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lydia said..
You are in Tasmania so get him to quote the Dacron but in the next weight up.
Buy the best quality cloth you afford

Yeah the polypreg high aspect is a very fine weave Dacron, he's quoted that in 9.52 oz, the next step up jumps to a hefty 15.52 oz though.

On the Contender site, the high aspect 9.52 oz is recommenced for boats 41-45ft. Mawson is 39 ft, so it looks like he's specced it up a bit anyway.

Both cloths are nice. The 9.52oz is more than adequate weight wise.
i really like the Cdx, it is our preferred option in cruise laminates.
The shape retention life of the cdx would be better, plus a more complicated cut hence the difference in price.
But the physical life of the polypreg Dacron would be longer, if that makes sense?
Sailmaker of 40+ years.
Good luck and happy sailing, there is nothing like a new sail.

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Galatea said..
Both cloths are nice. The 9.52oz is more than adequate weight wise.
i really like the Cdx, it is our preferred option in cruise laminates.
The shape retention life of the cdx would be better, plus a more complicated cut hence the difference in price.
But the physical life of the polypreg Dacron would be longer, if that makes sense?
Sailmaker of 40+ years.
Good luck and happy sailing, there is nothing like a new sail.

Like he says, not a sailmaker for 40 years , but spent a bit of time in a loft but paid for a lot of sails over the years.

On y cruising sails I always check the corner patches and often get ask for bigger ones. To spread load out a bit more.

Last few delivery/cruising aims I have brought have been out of the Hood vectran but I am not sure you can get that anymore.

On the old boat one I brought in 2002 it still in use

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Galatea said..
Both cloths are nice. The 9.52oz is more than adequate weight wise.
i really like the Cdx, it is our preferred option in cruise laminates.
The shape retention life of the cdx would be better, plus a more complicated cut hence the difference in price.
But the physical life of the polypreg Dacron would be longer, if that makes sense?
Sailmaker of 40+ years.
Good luck and happy sailing, there is nothing like a new sail.

Hi Galatea, thanks for that and great to have your input as a sailmaker. My current main is Dacron and probably the original one on the boat, so that's going on 20 years now. I get that the Dacrons just keep on going and last longer overall and the new Dacrons are better, but I also realize that they're pretty bagged out for a large proportion of that life. At 20 years, mine is pretty hard to control when the wind gets up in speed, so I've learnt to reef early, really early

So with average use, would you say I'm going to keep good shape for at least 5 years with the CDX? And then shape holding will taper off over the next 5 years and I'd be looking at replacement in say 10 years or less?

Also what's your take on CDX and reefing? I've seen some comments elsewhere that it deteriorates more quickly with reefing, however they seemed to be older comments on S.A. so maybe that was an issue with the earlier versions of the laminate?

I'm toying with the idea of getting a third reef put in, like a storm tri proportion. Do you ever do that and what do you think? Is it just adding extra weight up high for something I may hardly use, if ever?

Yep I can't wait to have a crisp new sail, I do like to fiddle with controls and this old one has been frustrating from that point of view.

Select to expand quote

lydia said..

Galatea said..
Both cloths are nice. The 9.52oz is more than adequate weight wise.
i really like the Cdx, it is our preferred option in cruise laminates.
The shape retention life of the cdx would be better, plus a more complicated cut hence the difference in price.
But the physical life of the polypreg Dacron would be longer, if that makes sense?
Sailmaker of 40+ years.
Good luck and happy sailing, there is nothing like a new sail.

Like he says, not a sailmaker for 40 years , but spent a bit of time in a loft but paid for a lot of sails over the years.

On y cruising sails I always check the corner patches and often get ask for bigger ones. To spread load out a bit more.

Last few delivery/cruising aims I have brought have been out of the Hood vectran but I am not sure you can get that anymore.

On the old boat one I brought in 2002 it still in use

Thanks Lydia, good to have the info. I'll talk to him about corner patches.

Last delivery main I had made for the 38, I just got a 1st reef and a 3rd reef point put in.
Never have to re run the reef line and usually if it is windy enough for two then three will be fine and easier to handle.

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2bish said..

Galatea said..
Both cloths are nice. The 9.52oz is more than adequate weight wise.
i really like the Cdx, it is our preferred option in cruise laminates.
The shape retention life of the cdx would be better, plus a more complicated cut hence the difference in price.
But the physical life of the polypreg Dacron would be longer, if that makes sense?
Sailmaker of 40+ years.
Good luck and happy sailing, there is nothing like a new sail.

Hi Galatea, thanks for that and great to have your input as a sailmaker. My current main is Dacron and probably the original one on the boat, so that's going on 20 years now. I get that the Dacrons just keep on going and last longer overall and the new Dacrons are better, but I also realize that they're pretty bagged out for a large proportion of that life. At 20 years, mine is pretty hard to control when the wind gets up in speed, so I've learnt to reef early, really early

So with average use, would you say I'm going to keep good shape for at least 5 years with the CDX? And then shape holding will taper off over the next 5 years and I'd be looking at replacement in say 10 years or less?

Also what's your take on CDX and reefing? I've seen some comments elsewhere that it deteriorates more quickly with reefing, however they seemed to be older comments on S.A. so maybe that was an issue with the earlier versions of the laminate?

I'm toying with the idea of getting a third reef put in, like a storm tri proportion. Do you ever do that and what do you think? Is it just adding extra weight up high for something I may hardly use, if ever?

Yep I can't wait to have a crisp new sail, I do like to fiddle with controls and this old one has been frustrating from that point of view.

I think that is a reasonable expectancy of cdx lifespan. But hours usage is the key, that is why charter companies use Dacron. Cdx will last a long time when used sparingly but your time frame estimate is reasonable for weekend use and the odd cruise in Tasmanian waters ( I would not use any laminate in tropics!).
The New CDX pro which I assume is the cloth specified is better for reefing as it has a soft hand, a quality often overlooked in cruising cloth in these days of racing technology adapted for the cruising market.
But resilience to folding and flex is the reason Dacron has longevity compared to laminate, I often use the analogy of a handkerchief and a plastic sheet, stretch the woven handkerchief across the bias (opposite corners) and it will stretch, let it go and it springs back. Do the same with plastic, much harder to stretch but will not spring back, it will take the deformed shape.
Not as pronounced obviously but still a factor over time.
lydia points re reefing are very valid.
The third reef absolutely, even if it is a higher second reef in a third reef position, this is actually a good idea if your boom has two reefing lines ( as most do). You have a reef to balance the overpowering and then straight into a survival reef without having to re reeve a reefing line. Tri sails are fine if you see the weather coming!
The most important thing to a cruising boat is to be able to beat off a Lee shore in adverse conditions without a motor.
Anything else wrong you just get hungry! ??

Select to expand quote

Galatea said..

2bish said..

Galatea said..
Both cloths are nice. The 9.52oz is more than adequate weight wise.
i really like the Cdx, it is our preferred option in cruise laminates.
The shape retention life of the cdx would be better, plus a more complicated cut hence the difference in price.
But the physical life of the polypreg Dacron would be longer, if that makes sense?
Sailmaker of 40+ years.
Good luck and happy sailing, there is nothing like a new sail.

Hi Galatea, thanks for that and great to have your input as a sailmaker. My current main is Dacron and probably the original one on the boat, so that's going on 20 years now. I get that the Dacrons just keep on going and last longer overall and the new Dacrons are better, but I also realize that they're pretty bagged out for a large proportion of that life. At 20 years, mine is pretty hard to control when the wind gets up in speed, so I've learnt to reef early, really early

So with average use, would you say I'm going to keep good shape for at least 5 years with the CDX? And then shape holding will taper off over the next 5 years and I'd be looking at replacement in say 10 years or less?

Also what's your take on CDX and reefing? I've seen some comments elsewhere that it deteriorates more quickly with reefing, however they seemed to be older comments on S.A. so maybe that was an issue with the earlier versions of the laminate?

I'm toying with the idea of getting a third reef put in, like a storm tri proportion. Do you ever do that and what do you think? Is it just adding extra weight up high for something I may hardly use, if ever?

Yep I can't wait to have a crisp new sail, I do like to fiddle with controls and this old one has been frustrating from that point of view.

I think that is a reasonable expectancy of cdx lifespan. But hours usage is the key, that is why charter companies use Dacron. Cdx will last a long time when used sparingly but your time frame estimate is reasonable for weekend use and the odd cruise in Tasmanian waters ( I would not use any laminate in tropics!).
The New CDX pro which I assume is the cloth specified is better for reefing as it has a soft hand, a quality often overlooked in cruising cloth in these days of racing technology adapted for the cruising market.
But resilience to folding and flex is the reason Dacron has longevity compared to laminate, I often use the analogy of a handkerchief and a plastic sheet, stretch the woven handkerchief across the bias (opposite corners) and it will stretch, let it go and it springs back. Do the same with plastic, much harder to stretch but will not spring back, it will take the deformed shape.
Not as pronounced obviously but still a factor over time.
lydia points re reefing are very valid.
The third reef absolutely, even if it is a higher second reef in a third reef position, this is actually a good idea if your boom has two reefing lines ( as most do). You have a reef to balance the overpowering and then straight into a survival reef without having to re reeve a reefing line. Tri sails are fine if you see the weather coming!
The most important thing to a cruising boat is to be able to beat off a Lee shore in adverse conditions without a motor.
Anything else wrong you just get hungry! ??

Yes it is the CDX pro laminate, thanks for the advice. I do have a spare sheeve in the boom, so running a third reef should be straight forward. I think I would rather have the versatility of three reefs, the third being more of a tri/survival reef. I don't have the experience to fully assess Lydia's suggestion as I've not actually experienced what a new sail is capable of on this boat, so I'll keep that one filed away for the next main replacement perhaps. Once again thanks for the advice guys, I'll let you know which way I jump.

New sails are like getting a engine tune, you can't quite get over the fact that things become responsive, you pull a sheet and things happen in response! Amazing!
The last time I did it I thought the guys had done something else to the boat, like pull half a ton of crap off it.
Make sure you do a before and after sail, so you get to appreciate the difference. Besides, it eases the pain when you get the bill :)
Can't wait to hear how you end up 2bish, make sure you tell us how it sails regardless of which call you make.

I don't know if I am a couple of technology advances behind in sails, but I had mine done in Hydranet, which is kinda like a dacron sail with dyneema and polyester threads woven into it for sail shape retention in heavy or sustained loads. They've been through some pretty heavy wind ranges where everything has been sheeted tight as a drum, and the shape after three years still looks really good, I can't see any signs of age at all. As Galatea mentioned, I was a bit suss having laminate in the tropics sitting flaked on the boom all stuffed between the lazy jacks, it's not often I can dump a nice cleanly furled main onto the boom without any awkward creases and folds.

I must confess to being somehwat ignorant on sail cloth choices, so please don't see this as a recommendation! I defer to those here who are much more knowledgeable, I have more chance winning the nobel peace prize than understanding the intricacy of sail cloths!

SB

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shaggybaxter said..
New sails are like getting a engine tune, you can't quite get over the fact that things become responsive, you pull a sheet and things happen in response! Amazing!
The last time I did it I thought the guys had done something else to the boat, like pull half a ton of crap off it.
Make sure you do a before and after sail, so you get to appreciate the difference. Besides, it eases the pain when you get the bill :)
Can't wait to hear how you end up 2bish, make sure you tell us how it sails regardless of which call you make.

I don't know if I am a couple of technology advances behind in sails, but I had mine done in Hydranet, which is kinda like a dacron sail with dyneema and polyester threads woven into it for sail shape retention in heavy or sustained loads. They've been through some pretty heavy wind ranges where everything has been sheeted tight as a drum, and the shape after three years still looks really good, I can't see any signs of age at all. As Galatea mentioned, I was a bit suss having laminate in the tropics sitting flaked on the boom all stuffed between the lazy jacks, it's not often I can dump a nice cleanly furled main onto the boom without any awkward creases and folds.

I must confess to being somehwat ignorant on sail cloth choices, so please don't see this as a recommendation! I defer to those here who are much more knowledgeable, I have more chance winning the nobel peace prize than understanding the intricacy of sail cloths!

SB

Hydranet is the best option for the long distance passagemaker. That stuff is tough and well worth the extra $ over conventional Dacron ( about 30-40%).
There are no repair lofts in the middle of the ocean!

+1 for the dyneema hybrid sails. 6 months into our 60m2 main tri-radial using contender fibrecon pro-hybrid which replaced a 10+ year old laminate (or should I say delaminate) we are very happy- especially upwind in light conditions - that's where you really notice the change.
When I researched this, I found many recommendations on the duration v performance 'sweet spot' . The Contender website attempts to summarise in a comparable table form: www.contendersailcloth.com/product/fibercon-hybrid-powered-dyneema-2/ -although ... they would say that
We used our local sailmaker who supplied fitted etc. for under $7 boat dollars - seems similar to the CDX quote.
We also went from 2 reeves to 3, but changed the points to match our local Seabreeze conditions (summer SA - usually in the 25knot range) - so now I regularly shift gears from 1st to 2nd reef in summer & leave the 3rd for 30+. Best thing I did was go for the luff slot cars - I mostly sail solo + this has been a lifesaver - not just going up, but dropping down!

Select to expand quote

Galatea said..

shaggybaxter said..
New sails are like getting a engine tune, you can't quite get over the fact that things become responsive, you pull a sheet and things happen in response! Amazing!
The last time I did it I thought the guys had done something else to the boat, like pull half a ton of crap off it.
Make sure you do a before and after sail, so you get to appreciate the difference. Besides, it eases the pain when you get the bill :)
Can't wait to hear how you end up 2bish, make sure you tell us how it sails regardless of which call you make.

I don't know if I am a couple of technology advances behind in sails, but I had mine done in Hydranet, which is kinda like a dacron sail with dyneema and polyester threads woven into it for sail shape retention in heavy or sustained loads. They've been through some pretty heavy wind ranges where everything has been sheeted tight as a drum, and the shape after three years still looks really good, I can't see any signs of age at all. As Galatea mentioned, I was a bit suss having laminate in the tropics sitting flaked on the boom all stuffed between the lazy jacks, it's not often I can dump a nice cleanly furled main onto the boom without any awkward creases and folds.

I must confess to being somehwat ignorant on sail cloth choices, so please don't see this as a recommendation! I defer to those here who are much more knowledgeable, I have more chance winning the nobel peace prize than understanding the intricacy of sail cloths!

SB

Hydranet is the best option for the long distance passagemaker. That stuff is tough and well worth the extra $ over conventional Dacron ( about 30-40%).
There are no repair lofts in the middle of the ocean!

.love the hydranett sailcloth we are still racing with a10 year old hvdranett main and though it is starting to look a little full it is still bullet proof. I used to run hydranett in my headies as well and still have a blade but have changed over to mylar taffeta Kevlar string sails in my larger sails as they hold their shape right through the range and still fold well . The big one (our primary sail which carries to 15 (though occasionaly 20+is still nice though my sailmaker says its lifespan is limited happy at 5 years old

I bought a set of Tri radials, main and headsail, I can't remember the actual sail cloth name, but it is warp orientated Dacron. The thing I noticed over the replaced cross cut Dacron sails was far improved sailing performance, the sail draft/shape allowed the boat to simply go faster as the wind increased, rather than becoming ugly, and excess weather helm. The cloth is much stiffer than standard cross cut Dacron, you need to look after the flaking in the stack pack a little more, but let's face it we are sailors and anything that make your boat more fun and safer is good, right!

I bought a set of Tri radials, main and headsail, I can't remember the actual sail cloth name, but it is warp orientated Dacron. The thing I noticed over the replaced cross cut Dacron sails was far improved sailing performance, the sail draft/shape allowed the boat to simply go faster as the wind increased, rather than becoming ugly, and excess weather helm. The cloth is much stiffer than standard cross cut Dacron, you need to look after the flaking in the stack pack a little more, but let's face it we are sailors and anything that make your boat more fun and safer is good, right!

Select to expand quote

2bish said..

Galatea said..

2bish said..

Galatea said..
Both cloths are nice. The 9.52oz is more than adequate weight wise.
i really like the Cdx, it is our preferred option in cruise laminates.
The shape retention life of the cdx would be better, plus a more complicated cut hence the difference in price.
But the physical life of the polypreg Dacron would be longer, if that makes sense?
Sailmaker of 40+ years.
Good luck and happy sailing, there is nothing like a new sail.

Hi Galatea, thanks for that and great to have your input as a sailmaker. My current main is Dacron and probably the original one on the boat, so that's going on 20 years now. I get that the Dacrons just keep on going and last longer overall and the new Dacrons are better, but I also realize that they're pretty bagged out for a large proportion of that life. At 20 years, mine is pretty hard to control when the wind gets up in speed, so I've learnt to reef early, really early

So with average use, would you say I'm going to keep good shape for at least 5 years with the CDX? And then shape holding will taper off over the next 5 years and I'd be looking at replacement in say 10 years or less?

Also what's your take on CDX and reefing? I've seen some comments elsewhere that it deteriorates more quickly with reefing, however they seemed to be older comments on S.A. so maybe that was an issue with the earlier versions of the laminate?

I'm toying with the idea of getting a third reef put in, like a storm tri proportion. Do you ever do that and what do you think? Is it just adding extra weight up high for something I may hardly use, if ever?

Yep I can't wait to have a crisp new sail, I do like to fiddle with controls and this old one has been frustrating from that point of view.

I think that is a reasonable expectancy of cdx lifespan. But hours usage is the key, that is why charter companies use Dacron. Cdx will last a long time when used sparingly but your time frame estimate is reasonable for weekend use and the odd cruise in Tasmanian waters ( I would not use any laminate in tropics!).
The New CDX pro which I assume is the cloth specified is better for reefing as it has a soft hand, a quality often overlooked in cruising cloth in these days of racing technology adapted for the cruising market.
But resilience to folding and flex is the reason Dacron has longevity compared to laminate, I often use the analogy of a handkerchief and a plastic sheet, stretch the woven handkerchief across the bias (opposite corners) and it will stretch, let it go and it springs back. Do the same with plastic, much harder to stretch but will not spring back, it will take the deformed shape.
Not as pronounced obviously but still a factor over time.
lydia points re reefing are very valid.
The third reef absolutely, even if it is a higher second reef in a third reef position, this is actually a good idea if your boom has two reefing lines ( as most do). You have a reef to balance the overpowering and then straight into a survival reef without having to re reeve a reefing line. Tri sails are fine if you see the weather coming!
The most important thing to a cruising boat is to be able to beat off a Lee shore in adverse conditions without a motor.
Anything else wrong you just get hungry! ??

Yes it is the CDX pro laminate, thanks for the advice. I do have a spare sheeve in the boom, so running a third reef should be straight forward. I think I would rather have the versatility of three reefs, the third being more of a tri/survival reef. I don't have the experience to fully assess Lydia's suggestion as I've not actually experienced what a new sail is capable of on this boat, so I'll keep that one filed away for the next main replacement perhaps. Once again thanks for the advice guys, I'll let you know which way I jump.

Just a note...on a lot of cruising boats nowadays that only have 3 reefing sheaves, we are getting rid of the outhaul by simply making it 'lash out' like the old dinghy style.

The reasons are, on a cruiser having the outhaul tightish all the time is fine and if you think it needs to be tighter then you're probably thinking about reefing anyway!

Have done plenty and had nothing but happy customers, most of them happy with one less line to clutter/think about

Select to expand quote

2bish said..
I'm getting measured for a new main on Friday, this is the first sail I have purchased so I'm finding it a bit of a minefield. I'm working with a local sailmaker, so I'm trusting his advice for the options. Of the three choices he presented, the current candidates are narrowed down to either:

Crosscut in Contender Polypreg High Aspect Dacron at $4,700
or
Tri-Radial in Contender CDX Pro cruising laminate for $6,780

So basically an extra $2k for the CDX option.

Cruising and club racing use. I would consider paying the premium for the tri-radial if I can be sure it will keep a good shape a lot longer. Sailmaker has advised it would. What do you reckon guys? Anyone with either of these cloths in their sails?

Just a thought too, give Stu at North Sails a call.
Their new moulded cruising sails are pretty amazing and if it was me, I'd be at least checking them out

Select to expand quote

rumblefish said..

2bish said..
I'm getting measured for a new main on Friday, this is the first sail I have purchased so I'm finding it a bit of a minefield. I'm working with a local sailmaker, so I'm trusting his advice for the options. Of the three choices he presented, the current candidates are narrowed down to either:

Crosscut in Contender Polypreg High Aspect Dacron at $4,700
or
Tri-Radial in Contender CDX Pro cruising laminate for $6,780

So basically an extra $2k for the CDX option.

Cruising and club racing use. I would consider paying the premium for the tri-radial if I can be sure it will keep a good shape a lot longer. Sailmaker has advised it would. What do you reckon guys? Anyone with either of these cloths in their sails?

Just a thought too, give Stu at North Sails a call.
Their new moulded cruising sails are pretty amazing and if it was me, I'd be at least checking them out

The 3di is a pretty complicated way of making a sail. Is a good high performance option from exotic fibres. But at the lower end is a sail built the same way but using much cheaper polyester fibres at a cost in excess of panelled sails using high end cruising fibres like Dyneema, Carbon or spectra.

Well I've decided to go with the CDX pro laminate option. I'm not too concerned with mound/mildew issues. i sail regularly so they get aired, boom bag has breather panels and we'll I'm in Tasmania. I've gone for three reefs; 15% 30% and a deep 50% survival reef.

I'll look forward to the engine tune effect Shaggy! Rumble, I did get a quote from Stu for the North Nordac cloth last year, it was a lot more expensive than the CDX and that was a discount price while the factory was quiet over winter too. I also found it hard getting any real world independent reviews on the fabric and nothing about it's performance over its wear cycle. I asked Stu twice if he could refer me to a local with them, but I never did hear back.

Select to expand quote

2bish said..
Well I've decided to go with the CDX pro laminate option. I'm not too concerned with mound/mildew issues. i sail regularly so they get aired, boom bag has breather panels and we'll I'm in Tasmania. I've gone for three reefs; 15% 30% and a deep 50% survival reef.

I'll look forward to the engine tune effect Shaggy! Rumble, I did get a quote from Stu for the North Nordac cloth last year, it was a lot more expensive than the CDX and that was a discount price while the factory was quiet over winter too. I also found it hard getting any real world independent reviews on the fabric and nothing about it's performance over its wear cycle. I asked Stu twice if he could refer me to a local with them, but I never did hear back.

Cool, yeah only a couple of boats with it now that I know of and they are both recent.

So which sailmaker did you go with?

Select to expand quote

rumblefish said..

2bish said..
Well I've decided to go with the CDX pro laminate option. I'm not too concerned with mound/mildew issues. i sail regularly so they get aired, boom bag has breather panels and we'll I'm in Tasmania. I've gone for three reefs; 15% 30% and a deep 50% survival reef.

I'll look forward to the engine tune effect Shaggy! Rumble, I did get a quote from Stu for the North Nordac cloth last year, it was a lot more expensive than the CDX and that was a discount price while the factory was quiet over winter too. I also found it hard getting any real world independent reviews on the fabric and nothing about it's performance over its wear cycle. I asked Stu twice if he could refer me to a local with them, but I never did hear back.

Cool, yeah only a couple of boats with it now that I know of and they are both recent.

So which sailmaker did you go with?

Mike at Quantum.

Just an update. I had the new main fitted today and went for a sail with Mike (sailmaker) who instructed me on all the bits and bobs. Looks great, feels great and I finally have some real control of the shape! Definitely able to point higher too. Just two short sails today, so it's ealy days but I'm looking forward to an 10 day trip from Boxing day to get to know it better.

That looks better than perfect right there.

Yahoo!
Congrats 2bish, and btw your boat looks immaculate.
I really like the two telltales in the upper midspan. I didn't have any initially so I put on my own, and it really helped my mainsail sheet trimming, I was oversheeting prior to getting some telltales on there.
Love to hear how you are find it after the next outing.

Thanks guys! And yes Shaggy, those telltales are pretty handy. I love the draft stripes too, I didn't have those on the old sail. I did notice on the vid that we'd forgotten to tension that top batten properly though. I'm thinking it's probably a good training tool for me to snap some video at different times to review later.

I run a telltail right in the middle of the chord in the lower third of the sail. Makes setting the mainsheet tension for reaching easy. There are telltails in all the usual places as well but the mid sail is most handy.