Originally Posted by
woodeneye
Is the new edge boom hollow or is it simply a lamination? The middle picture looks to me like it has a capping piece on the top, hence why I'm asking.
The discussion about the rig is great and Ralph's comparison of how the Finn rig works compared to the balanced lug seems spot on to me. Ultimately we seem to need to achieve the same end result with the GIS!
I recently read a rather heated discussion on another forum about whether a loose footed sail compared to sail lashed to the boom changes a boom's dynamics to any significant degree. The discussion was a bit nasty and the combatants eventually peeled off agreeing to disagree. Anyway, the discussion (it was really an argument!) centered around whether the forces on the boom in each case were any different, and so was a stiff boom really necessary for a loose footed sail?
My initial thoughts are that yes, a stiff boom and loose footed sail IS preferable as otherwise the booms bend would alter the distance between clew and leech foot, and induce unwanted extra curve into the sail shape.
I'd be interested to hear what your thoughts are? At least I know the discussions around here are most cordial all the time :)