A Very Worthwhile Sail
I dont think it really matters to the boat which side the trisail is mounted. Ours is mounted on the Starboard side because that is where where we work the Mainsail.
Over the years we have used the tri countless times"in anger".
We love it primarily because it does NOT heel the boat in big wind. It is cut flat and as the wind gusts, the excess just spills off the sides of the sail and we drive forward.
I feel that the Trisail is a far better alternative than a triple reefed mainsail for two main reasons:
1. I can set it in less than a minute in all conditions---far faster than tying in a third reef(don't forget the conditions that require that reef)---
2. Most importantly--it eliminates the boom from the equation--- the last thing I want in big wind and large seas is that boom flying around. I came very close to being knocked overboard by the boom in such conditions.
Once that tri is set, the boom is lashed down into the gallows and safely out of the way.
It cant smash fingers and heads and also wont snap in hallf when you get down into those troughs and drag it while vanged.
The only time I use a triple reefed main is if I am sailing in sheltered water(no big seas--just a lot of wind) and can tie it in before leaveing the anchorage.
Otherwise, my third reef is a "I lost my mast above the spreaders and have to get home" reef.
Ed
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