----- Original Message -----

From: seatimsboat@...

To: harryproa@...

Sent: Saturday, October 23, 2004 6:18 PM

Subject: Re: [harryproa] carbon masts

I was thinking that a type of flow media could be placed between the layers of carbon fiber I have read of a structural core made specifically for this purpose. It is 1/8" thick.I do not know if a cored material would have advantages over a solid lamination but I have read that it has been used in mast construction. At any rate there is a non structural nylon  webbing that is used for solid laminations.  I should say that I have a Freedom 40 with wrap around sails that I have owned for 25 years .I like the wrap around sails as they provide a clean leading edge and do not require the mast to rotate.They are, however, heavy and do not allow for a substantial roach as full battens cannot be used. I have looked at Wharram's soft wing with a luff pocket and gaff but it is your rig for "hurry up" that I find most interesting.The mast height and sail area are about the same as each of mine.If the weight figure {110 lbs} is close and the materials ! cost is still about the same I would certainly be interested in purchasing the plans to build or better yet buy direct from you ,again depending on cost ,two production masts. I would be interested to know how you solved the problem of batten tension in a luff pocket and still allow the sail to be reefed.         Regards Tim