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Measuring sails for a Maxi 84 yacht
August 17, 2023 · 14 min · 626 views
What this video covers
A sailmaker visits a Maxi Yachts 84 to take rig measurements for a new headsail and mainsail, demonstrating the full measurement sequence and explaining why each dimension matters. The core advice: always measure to the maximum available space and let the sailmaker apply their own deductions for material stretch, shrinkage, webbing loops, and furling angle — never pre-adjust measurements on the owner's behalf.0:20 Using a fibreglass-reinforced surveyor's tape, the sailmaker records the K dimension (foredeck to cap shrouds), track start and finish positions, and maximum hoist, then triangulates the forestay in three-dimensional space to design a correctly sized roller-furling genoa.4:35 He explains that a retrofit Harken or Selden furling kit shifts the tack drum position, directly changing luff length, which is why measuring always beats trusting original sail plans on older boats with multiple owners.1:26 For the mainsail, P and E dimensions are taken to the maximum available mast length rather than relying on black bands, and fixed reefing block positions are measured precisely: if the reef girth exceeds the boom attachment point distance, the sail pulls forward when reefed, creating dangerous excess camber in high wind.7:58 The Selden mast gate — which stands proud of the aft mast face — prevents roller or bearing slides from running and must be replaced with a flush-mounted unit before upgrading to a fully battened slide system.8:30 Fixed reefing blocks require the sailmaker to know their exact positions before cutting roach or a square-top profile.12:19
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