Did you realize that batten chafe has been reported as the #1 problem worldwide by sailboat cruising folks? But there are ways to cut down on batten chafe and save money in the long run. Here are three vital sailing tips you will want to know before you head over the horizon on your next cruise.

Your mainsail gets support form the mast and boom on two sides, the luff and foot. But the leech has no spar to support it. When your sailmaker designs your main, he or she begins with a simple triangle.

A convex curve gets added to the leech. This curve–called “roach”–increases sail area for reaches and runs. But it has to be supported with battens. Otherwise, your mainsail leech will flap like a flag in a breeze.

Cruising sailboats report sail wear from batten chafe as the #1 repair issue after a long passage. You have three choices when it comes to mainsail leech support.

1. Full Length Battens

In recent years, full length battens that span the entire width of the sail, have become more popular. This does improve the airfoil and stabilizes the sail’s draft position in varying conditions. But you’ll need to consider the extra weight of battens, sailcloth (for batten pockets) and luff stops at the mast slot.

Catamarans, trimarans or iceboats need full length battens to hold mainsail shape during acceleration. These boats produce extremely high apparent wind velocities that could easily collapse the shape on a softer foil.

If you decide to go this route, consider installing lazy-jacks to contain the sail when lowered or reefed. The sail stacks up like lowered window blinds, and tames the sail beautifully. When reefed you needn’t furl the excess sailcloth unless it’s really howling.

Just realize that full length battens are high maintenance, and require extra care and inspection to prevent problems. Check for chafe all along the length of the pocket and at the luff stops. High loadings and chafe usually start at the luff where the batten compresses against the stop. Inspect the luff stop hardware for chafe, cracking or wear and replace as needed.

2. Short, Traditional Battens

Shorter battens give excellent support to the roach. They extend about twice the roach width into the sail. If you break a traditional batten inside its pocket, it won’t require a trip to the sailmaker to rip open the batten pocket to pull out the broken batten chunks. Carry an assortment of spare fiberglass or wooden replacement battens aboard. Check for chafe at the pocket entries and edges.

3. Mains without Battens

Blue water cruisers may want to eliminate battens and hollow the mainsail leech like that of a headsail. This idea has merit, because it gets rid of chafe and makes the leech easier to control. But you won’t be able to point as high when close hauled, and lose mainsail area for reaching and running. Many distant cruisers carry larger, lighter headsails for better performance.

Sailing Skipper Tip:

When broad reaching or running, the mainsail lies against the spreader tips and shrouds. This causes “spot chafe” as the sailcloth flaps against these hard surfaces. Ask your sailmaker to sew spreader-patches to these areas to prevent chafe and costly repairs.

Use these three sailing tips to help you make the best choice for sailboat cruising, racing, or day sailing. You will reduce your sail repair costs and have more money for sailing–wherever in the world you choose to cruise.

Captain John teaches sailing skippers the skills they need to set sail for a day, a week–or a lifetime! Get his popular free report “Ten Top Boat Safety Checks for Cruising Boat Skippers” at Learn to Sail at Skippertips.com.

John offers free sailing tips, articles, sailing videos and newsletter at Learn to Sail at Skippertips.com.