low wind and top battens not wanting to pop

so very low wind today, and I mean like 2mph, so real low, anyway my top two battons did not want to pop after tacking, tried everything. So do I need more tension on those battons, less? less or more downhaul? Honeslty they did not even want to pop on friday with a bit over 5mph wind, thy were stubborn then but a yank on the sail and they would pop, but not today.
Help....

Less batten tension. No downhaul at all. If it is going to be light for a while, replace the top 3 or 4 battens with something thinner--you can get pultruded epoxy rods at tap plastic. And here's a tip...in light breeze hold the mainsail clew by hand and pull it toward you on the windward side as far outboard as you can. You want as much twist in the mainsail as you can get. If it is too hard to hold by hand, tie a line to the traveler and pull it up windward as much as you can. If there are others on board have them sit leeward to try to get the boat leaning and help drape the sail using gravity (alternatively, have them jump off and tow the boat).

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R/Thom
SeaRail 19
Triak
BMW C600
Formerly Getaway with Custom Spinnakers
Formerly raced F24 Mk II

With the mainsheet loose, grab the lines coming from the upper block of the mainsheet... In a bundle all in one hand.

Ease the sail to the lee side, then quickly yank to windward and down. This can help pop the batten over.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)