New Jeckells Sails

As most sailors know, nothing improves a boat's performance more than a new set of sails. I had considered ordering new sails for Element, but thought I would wait until after I had sailed the boat awhile. The sails that came with it are in fairly good shape, but do show some wear and some unremovable rust stains from being submerged in the storm surge of Katrina at the previous owner's house.

Since I often check the various Wharram-related forums and classified ads available online, I found a deal from a fellow who had Tiki 21 plans, new Jeckells sails, and all the hull parts cut from BS 1088 Meranti. I bought the package and just the other day the sails and the new plan set arrived.

These sails are great. Jeckells, an English sailmaker, has been in business since the early 1800s, and they are Wharram's recommened sailmaker for all his designs. This set of working sails includes the main with 2 reefs, and a jib with a single reef. Having this many reefing options is essential for the kind of sailing I intend to do with this Tiki.

I'm still not sure what I'm going to do with the wood hull parts that are included. I'm waiting on a shipping quote to see how much it will cost to get them to me. I might keep them on hand for future use or sell them to someone interested in building their own Tiki.