Doyle Sailmakers StackPack - StackPack Tips from Robbie Doyle; Head to Wind; Flaking the Luff; Helping the Zipper

Doyle Sailmakers Inc.
1.800.94.DOYLE
info@doylesails.com
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STACKPACK TIPS FROM ROBBIE DOYLE
Over the seasons, I have either discovered myself, or have been told by helpful customers,
a number of helpful tips on the use of the Doyle Stack Pack. These are worth passing along
to you.
"Head to Wind" - To experience the smoothest hoisting and lowering of the mainsail, be
sure the boat is directly head to wind. This minimizes the friction of the mainsail against
the lazy jacks while lowering and reduces the chance of a batten catching on the lazy jacks
while hoisting.
"Flaking the Luff" - If possible, a guiding hand at the mast while lowering the sail goes a
long way in producing the smoothest drop. With any fully battened mainsail, if the halyard
is struck and the sail is allowed to drop without gentle tugs on the luff, the aft end of the
battens will touch the boom before the forward end. This can result in a mainsail that stops
two thirds of the way down with the battens now wedged against the mast, preventing the
luffslides from stacking. Again, a helping hand at the mast as the halyard is smoothly
lowered, flaking the luff from side to side will make for the neatest drop and will allow most
of the mainsail to drop into the cover without help. This procedure produces the best flake
or furl for any mainsail and is not particular to Stack Pack.
"Helping the Zipper" - After the sail has been stuffed inside its cover, the best technique
for zipping is to hold the cover battens together with your hand closer to the bow and zip
with your aft hand. This takes load off the zipper slider, greatly reducing friction and,
hence, the force required to pull the slider. At the same time you will be increasing the life
of the zipper teeth.
"Cleanliness" - Before removing your StackPack, be sure the deck is clean and the mast
and boom have been thoroughly wiped clean in areas that will come in contact with the
cover while the sail is being slid off.
"Maintenance" - A thorough washing and yearly maintenance of your StackPack is
advisable. When removing the StackPack, it is easiest to leave the battens, and lazy jacks
with the boat. The lazy jacks are easily detached via the brummel hooks, just above the
cover, and the battens are all removable from the forward end of the cover. When bringing
the sail back for even a wash and check over, a written description or photographs of any
concerns with the sail is always helpful.