Hi all,

Rolf, I would be happy to give a full report on the "virtues" of a "Fathead" main, but I am still searching for some of them.

But seriously, looking at new Ashby fathead 800mm wide at top batten v's old main still wider at top than Taipan main.
The extra head area has basicaly been made possible by cutting clew higher, the area is about the same. So the centre of effort is unquestionably higher in the Fathead, this means it has greater leverage tipping boat earlier, meaning I can get on trap about 2 kts. earlier. This extra tipping moment is easily controlled by using downhaul, which twists the head depowering it.

The sail looks fantastic twisting and flattening as you would like. But it is not the cure all for boatspeed you may be looking for. It is faster by allowing you to trap 2 kts. earlier, but other than that I have been unable so far to find any other advantages, but I am still searching.

I live in hope that it will offer me more than trapping 2 kts. earlier(practical virtue) and being the hottest looking main on a F16 (not a practical virtue, but pleasing to the eye).

Stay Tuned.

Regards Gary.