JT retires from the race

After a night in sickbay JT, our trusty Jib Top sail, has had to retire from
the race.

The Job Top has been a great sail, and had plenty of use with the higher
winds and more importantly confused sea state. Being an inherently easier
sail to use than a spinnaker she was a popular choice, especially at night.

But last night after a long spell in fresh winds, we changed headsails and
noticed that JT was showing signs of wear along the leech of the sail - the
trailing edge. Whilst the main fibres were all still intact holding the
sail together, the clear laminated layer had started to disintigrate,
probably as a result of excessive flogging. Unlike dacron sails, laminated
sails don't take kindly to a good flogging - the pound notes just flutter
away with the wind and the film cracks and breaks down.

We have all the materials on board to effect our own repair along the 7m
length of sail that is affected. But given the forecast winds, it is likely
that JT will not be needed very often and we have other sails that can cover
for her. So we have taken the decision to leave it to the professional with
a nice dry sail loft to do a "proper job".

I should at this stage give a special mention to North Sails for all their
advice over the years on sail choice and especially for helping to equip us
for this race with a variety of spares, glues, tapes, patches, webbing
etc...

With "Big Bertha", our bullet proof heavweight No3 jib now set on the
forestay, we are ready for all weathers over the final week.

Richard