The tape drive sails can be cheaper than radial. An example is my mosquito sail $ 1300 with battens delivered anywhere in Australia. Get a price for a mosquito sail from Goodall, Ashby, Irwin and you may find that the UK Halsey tape drive is a good deal. The sails are made cross cut so you get a very smooth shape. The tapes that are available in kevlar and carbon give the sail unbelievable stiffness. I can pull on 1 mm of luff tension and see the mast bend. They are a bit more critical in setting, but once you get the hang of the fine adjustment they are very fast. They also hold their shap over time. I did the equivelent of 2 seasons sailing in Australian conditions and the sail is still competitive. Some pics attached. Regards
