Dear David,
Excellent forum, so full of useful information. I see you have built / sailed even more interesting sail types than I realised. Perhaps, in that mythical time, when you have nothing better to do, you could produce a book (e-book?), which I am sure many would enjoy.
I can see that for the ordinary folk (in my case, rather too much of an armchair sailor of late) testing our 'good' ideas by asking you first, is rather tempting, so trust that you will not mind a few simple questions.
A sail with a single sided 'flap' involves a lot of work with making a good connection to the wing section. Although a full double sided sail would involve more sail cloth, would it not be much easier to construct, and being simpler, perhaps no more expensive?
You mention that a hinged wing cannot point as high a double sided sail where the camber is locked in on each tack. For the most part this is of no significance, unless you are fortunate enough to sail a very slippery craft. Whilst I dream of building a very slippery proa, the reality may a fat cruising catamaran (Heavenly Twins giving so much for your ££s), the fat-cat may need the help of the engine to work to windward on occasion. In this case a sail that can motor-sail and point high will be of use. The thought is that a light line (ok lots - 2 per batten) could be used to lock in the camber. Would it work / be worth while?
Is your mizzen going to be a full soft wing?
