In a message dated 2/15/03 1:27:41 PM, wriker@mindspring.com writes: << Scott, If Steve is going to recut the main, how about replacing a bit of the lost SF with a bit more length along the foot. My mainsail, anyway, leaves about 10" of boom extending beyond the clew. I'm sure the right sail could get 6-8" more foot length onto the boom. I keep looking at that spar, just knowing it's wishing to meet it's full potential. But maybe my main is just cut a little short. Bill Riker M-15 #184 >> Bill, In theory, this sounds like a good idea. The problem as I see it is that the main is sewn from a series of more or less horizontal panels. I am not sure how you could extend the foot without adding what would amount to a vertical strip at either the luff or leach (I have not seen this done). It does beg the question as to how one could gain a few inches of boom height without loosing foot length. Perhaps leaving the foot alone, and taking the height out of the head would make more sense. The leach would have to be recut somewhat, and the head plate moved, but at least the foot length and reefing proportions would remain relatively undisturbed. As for me, I think I will leave well enough alone. Scott Grometer, M15 #478 'bebe'