Lost a batten in a storm!

Yesterday I was trying to get back to the ramp in a storm over Jordan Lake in NC. I got the mast wet and lost a batten somehow. I had the sail furled in about 80% running East with the wind, getting along OK in the whitecaps, but then went to make an adjustment to the sail and mistakenly let it all roll out! Question: anyone ever have to replace one of these? expensive? Also, is it OK to sail without the middle one for a while as I wait for it to get here?

BTW, lesson learned... when expecting rough conditions: sit in the back, keep the sail very small, and roll up the tramps!

Yep, been there, done that! For a while 1/2 the boats on Maui were missing their rear batten.

The instructions Hobie includes with the boat for tying the battens are not adequate IMO for when in heavy winds in irons. I knot the line on one side of the sail, then knot to the batten cap, then knot to the other side of the sail, and then cleat with a knot, and finally knot again to the first side sail grommet. Maybe not as pretty, but they haven't come off again!

Most people don't even notice they're missing. Sailing is fine without it, but may not point quite as high upwind.

Costs, about $10US each. They roll up for shipping.

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Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

Thanks, Bob! I will use your tying suggestion from now on.