Mary, check out this link to the Wave on the Hobie site:
http://www.hobiecat.com/sailing/models_wave.htmlAn excerpt:
Optional Features:
>> Patented Multi-Sail Zipper-Reefing Sail
>> Jib Kit
>> Padded Backrests
>> Custom Trailer
Hey, Matt, is this a real option? If so how well does it work?
I suspect it probably works ok; some windsurfing sails used to work this way and they worked fine. The zipper is only zipped when the sail is reefed, and at that point the lower sail area puts less stress on the zipper. When unreefed, the zipper is fully open.
However, if the power to weight ratio of the unreefed main is such that it's no problem to sail in 25-30 kts than I would agree its not needed unless you unexpectedly found yourself in some really frieghtening winds. It might be nice however to have the option to reef at anytime (ie, maybe you pitchpole and injure yourself or are just cold and tired and don't want to work so hard or take the risk of going over for the umpteenth time...
On my dingly I've gotten shrap abdominal cramps when hiking really hard but didn't have an option to stop hiking! Ouch that hurt!
Jerry
