Battens?

[cedric]

Went out again today and it was rather windy, I didn't last too long but it was exciting. Unfortunately this leads me to my query, I broke two battens (and my burgee) and have just ordered some replacements plus some spares!
What is the difference between the red and the yellow battens?
One of those I broke had padding on part of it and one didn't, presumably this is a good idea. Where does it go, do I just put it in the area that could contact the shrouds?
One batten broke but one just came apart over several sections which meant that instead of bending it just went to about 90 degrees, obviously not good for the sail, but is this normal or are they just old?
I was also surprised that both times my boat capsized it seemed to immediately invert completely - the mast hitting the ground was what finished the burgee, and yet I thought that cats normally just go onto their side, would it be the tide coming in that did this?
Thanks

[Brian Phipps]

Hi Cedric
The answers require quite a lot of info but here is some.
The yellow and red battens have different bend qualities, wellow is stiffer.
The batten padding is to prevent chaffing on the shroud so some battens need it others not
On the capsize thing, yes lots of things can make the boat go full inversion, no problem although flags do get lost!! best use one only for light winds.
Cedric if you found the time and wanted to a days coaching down here at windsport could save you a lot of self learning and proberbly cash we go through all these things and more.
Hope that helps and gives you some direction.
Brian
Windsport

[cedric]

Thanks Brian, I am already booked with Windsport for coaching on Sept 7th & 8th so until then the trial and error route!
Hopefully you can get the battens I ordered from Windsport to me in plenty of time for the Seasalter TT weekend after next then I can try again.
Given up on the flag until the boat stays upright a bit more!

[Bob Carter]

A few more replies
- the yellow battens only go in the bottom slot (batten #1)
- you can buy the stick on rubber buffer which prevents hard contact with the shroud and is easier on the sail and the batten. You can also carefully remove the rubber buffer from the old battens (by peeling it back 180degrees and carefully cutting it off with a razor blade) and stick it on the new battens
- most of us break a few battens when we are novices. You get better at not breaking them as you gain experience.
- when capsizing avoid falling or stepping into the sail at all costs.
- in strong winds do not gybe from reach to reach. Always put in a short dead run in - then just pull the sail across without changing direction. Do this by grabbing the main sheet mid section. Do not let it go until the sail has popped across - to prevent a hard bang onto the shrouds. This technique is easier on the battens and you are less likely to capsize.
- Read the articles under the tips section of this web site. The one called "sailing in a blow" or something like that by George Carter is particularly good for strong wind sailing technique.
Best of luck
Bob Carter