Tri sail

 

A  trysail is a good idea if one is sailing in conditions that a second or even a third reef are needed,mainly for two reasons :

     1) The trysail can be used even without a boom. Remember that in case the goosneck or the  vang or the mainsail fails you are left without sail.

     2) The reefs are reinforcing the sail at the wrong point and are distroing its shape (just look pictures of Norths 3DL sails ,where the reinforcments are obvious). Ok one reef can be tolarated, but three reefs?also if the top of the sail is made to withstand stormy conditions it must made from such a riggid material that will be useless in lighter wind.

 

 Imho it is better to use a trysail over 32-35 Knots and to take one reef and depower the main by bending the mast under 32.

 

Not a 411 owner but do have a trysail. Yep extra track required unless you have T slot cars on your main, but pretty sure you don't.

 

Another important point about for having a trysail is that the foot is cut high for the very good reason of allowing green water to pass under the sail but over the boom which is normally lowered and strapped to the deck. This should hopefully reduce your chances of a knock down in foul weather.

 

Hope that helps

 

B