Rigging Sail...I think i must be doing something wrong....

Question
Hi, im a beginner with lots of experience with lessons and decided it's the sport for me. Now, geared with a new board, rig and guide book i'v struck a problem with rigging: Whenever i try rig the sail putting the mast up it the sail always creases along the mast. Am i doing something wrong? Please help.
Yours thankfully
serena

Answer
Hey Serena,

Not sure what you mean by the sail creasing while inserting the mast but I will try to give you some pointers along with a couple of questions.

Is the sail monofilm? (all/mostly clear material)

Where are the creases happening?

Is it after the sail is rigged or just during the insertion?

If it is all monofilm, be sure to lay the sail out flat and insert the mast slowly keeping the sail from moving much. Move the mast and not the sail.

You may need to loosen the battens just a bit also to facilitate easy mast insertion.

If the creases are happening during the insertion, then it could be what I've covered above with keeping the sail flat and moving just the mast.

If they are there after fully rigging the sail, then you may need more downhaul. Most newer sails need a lot of downhaul and it is easy for beginner riggers to not put enough on. The top 1 or 2 battens should be pulled away from the mast and the head of the mast should be somewhat floppy. Try extra downhaul and if there are other sailors around when you rig your sail the next time, ask them if it looks right. Look for someone with lots of gear as they will probably have more experience.

The only other thing I can think of right now is whether you have the correct mast for the sail. Did you buy them at the same time? Is there something in the guide book that tells you what length/stiffness mast to use? It may be printed on the sail. You mast should also have the length/stifness specs on the label. Verify they are compatible with each other.

Try these tips and if you still have questions, elaborate on when and where the creases are occuring and I can maybe pinpoint your troubles a little better. Good luck with your new rig and welcome to the wonderful world of windsurfing.

Keep on sailing,
Windlover