Square-head sails with a combination of full battens and leech battens are used exclusively in the racing sector. Due to the wide sail head, it is not possible to secure and/or trim the rig using a backstay.
The square-head mainsail can therefore only be used on rigs without a backstay and with swept-back spreaders. Alternatively, it is also possible to use a square-head mainsail on a rig with neutral spreaders. In this case, however, you must use running backstays to ensure masthead stability.
Advantages
- – A wide sail head-depending on sail size, extending up to 2 meters-supported by a diagonally oriented batten, provides maximum increase in sail area. Full battens positioned asymmetrically along the leech support the wide sail head.
- – Improved aerodynamics in the sail-head region.
- – Excellent light-wind performance.
- – Leech battens in the lower sail area make trimming easier when a reverse curve appears.
- – Trimming advantages in light winds, as the sail opens nicely.
- – Weight savings due to shorter battens and fewer mast slides.
Disadvantages:
- – Weight savings due to shorter battens and fewer mast slides.
- – Suitable only for specialists.