Tapered battens come in set lengths and are either cut to suit (cutting the thick end) or the sail maker will use a batten just short of the maximum permitted length to suit a standard size.
Also take into account that the batten ends will add to the overall length. Some smaller dinghy sails don’t have elastic in the batten pocket to improve sail shape and these battens don’t need the forward end cap.
500mm Battens used for:
Class | Quantity Used | Notes |
Cadet |
3 |
Max length 457mm |
Finn |
1 |
Max Length 500mm (plus 1x 400mm, 2x 600mm, 1x700mm) |
Gull |
2 |
Max 457mm (plus 1x batten at 610mm) |
Heron |
1 |
Max 457mm (plus 2x battens at 610mm) |
Mirror |
1 |
Max 508mm (plus 2x batten at 610mm) |
Optimist |
2 |
Max 460mm |
Pacer |
2 |
Max 457mm (plus 1x top batten 991mm) |
Snipe |
1 |
Max 457mm (plus battens at 1x 610mm & 1x 686mm) |
A laminated pre-preg glass epoxy batten using a multiple pre-preg scrim layup (bi-directional to prevent the batten from twisting from torque) with the taper built within the layup, ensuring that the outer surfaces are complete from end to end - no exposed glass fibre. Increased durability due to hydrophobic epoxy resin systems ensuring the designed weight and strength.