Nicks in my mainsail

[Roger]

Can anyone tell me what is making these nicks in my otherwise beautiful mainsail? What ever is doing it, I haven't been able to catch in the act. The only thing I can think of is the the fittings on the jib clew are catching it when tacking?

See attached picture.

[kim whitmyre]

Roger, what does your jib clew look like?

[Wolf]

Hi Nick,

if the nicks are caused by the jib clew try using soft shakles (see attached pic).

Cheers,

Wolf

[Wolf]

and here

[Björn]

it could be rope chafe / burn from the sheets or halyards, uv degradation on the folds or a gerbil has nibbled on your folded sail.

[Roger]

Hi Guys,

Attached is a picture of me clew. It is two blocks and a halyard lock. The halyard lock or the blocks could be the culprit, but I can't see how it is happening. Its not sun damaged fabric because the sail is quite new and always covered. I like the idea of soft attachments, but I'm always changing my sails and it would be slow,

Roger

[Roger]

Forgot the pic

[kim whitmyre]

Roger,  I switched to this "new" style of soft shackles

instructions on how to make them: http://l-36.com/soft_shackle_9.php

These are very easy to open, and they are practically self-closing.  The older style work when new, but they get tougher to use the older they get.

[Roger]

Kim,

That's just what I need - thanks!