Jake - Check out any windsurfing sail these days. North made some similar to what the "third worlder" describes. I have those sails, and the adjustment is pretty sweet. No, you can't move it over an inch or so, but you don't need that much slack adjustment if you put the right sized battens in.

And I tensioned them and forgot about them.

I also agree that when it comes to battens and batten pockets, one design classes are pretty much living in the past. But that's also a strong point, knowing that I don't have to jump into every latest thing to keep me in the middle of the pack (my sailing skills keep me there!) keeps my budget in line!

I was in the arms race in windsurfing, and collected a quiver of over 12 sails, replacing them every year to be competitive (not to mention the 7 boards), and I wasn't even professional level! Today (less than 2 years later), I can barely recognize the equipment they are using!

I see the benefits of both one design racing to keep sailing strong (allowing the average budget to be competitive), and the development/formulae class to push the envelope (like that new fangled M20 and the Vectorworks x-boat) for technology that can be used to upgrade or establish another class.

And if we REALLY went high-tech and exotic, you don't NEED battens. The radial cuts and "smart" materials would hold the shape. Some NASA/Military projects even have material that can re-anneal after sustaining a rip or impact, or change properties under different conditions.

Imagine controlling your mainsail shape with a laptop.... Or better yet... Voice control...

Nigel, Kwiksilver:
Can you please post or email me pictures? It's the right time for me to decide which method to use. Thanks. Dennis

I had been tying my battens as per the diagram someone posted above for a couple of races. It's not doing it - perhaps I needed some kind of waxed string; but it's tough to get them as tight as I want and they continue to work loose over a matter of minutes sailing. I never could convince myself to leave them tied during storage either (and even though they were loose, they were a pain to disengage). I ended up taking two different sized v-jam caps (I have five different sizes of battens), wrapping the ends of the battens with saran wrap, filling the caps with epoxy, and taping them in place. They fit very well now. I also tied two knots in the adjustment string so I am sure they stay in place (and it gives me two settings).

Just another cheap way.

Tie one end to the port grommet(with a bowline, or cow hitch, or two half hitches),
take the loose end through the batten,
then loop the loose end, TWICE through the starboard grommet, then...

The TRICK is to create an OVER-RIDE with the SECOND loop,
(you may have to guide the line to create the over-ride as you pull it)
the over-ride if done properly will carry the load.

Then put the loose end in v-jam cap, OR just tie loose ends together.
I UNDO the over-ride, by pulling the loose end in the opposite direction
of the over-ride (opposite direction it went through the grommet).

Where were you when this post originated three months ago? You could have saved me all that work! I am not sure I follow you exactly but it sounds nifty.

Any chance of posting a picture? I'm not sure what an "over-ride" is.

Here's a pic, see attachment above.
Instead of over-ride, shall we rename it stateride.

The TRICK is to create an OVER-RIDE with the SECOND loop around the grommet,
(you may have to guide the line to create the over-ride as you pull it)
the over-ride if done properly will carry the load.

Great wind & waves,
Chris Stater