Batten Sanding

I am looking for information on batten tapering. Is it true that I can sand down my stock battens any way I want and still be legal? What do the racing experts do with their jib battens? Depends on the wind I'm sure. Saw some posts suggesting it is OK to do. I have a spare set I would like to experiment with by sanding the luff ends but don't want to waste them. Have cabin fever. Thanks.

Yes.
Most either 1) leave them alone or 2) make the top two softer to get more curvature in light air
Not as much as you might think.
This is not a job you want to do inside. Fiberglass dust is nasty stuff.

Thanks for the advise. Outside with a mask is the only way for me. Only the top two? I would have thought the lower ones might pass easier if they were beveled but the trade off is that the sail shape is compromised I suppose. Always a trade off. I won't over think it. Will do the top two.

Anyone ever mess with the jib battens? Tapering or Thinning?

JB
H16 107679

That's what we're talking about . . .

What's up Joe? See you at Mayor's cup again?
cw

here is a whole article about Hobie Cat batten reshaping.
http://users.tpg.com.au/kkmiller/hobie/battens.html

_________________
06 getaway -- always remember, man with both feet in mouth have no leg to stand on.

There's so much wrong with that article, I don't know where to start. Kim Miller is well intentioned, but uses the wrong terminology and concepts when it comes to sail shape / battens / batten tension / air flow.

Perhaps flawed but a good article nonetheless. It was worth the read and does give, me anyway, a better understanding of some of the forces in play and variables as well. More of what to think about than what to do. Thanks.