There is a continuing discussion on Dacron mains in this thread. I'm putting up a poll here to get some indicators across the class. Please just vote in this thread, but put comments in the the original thread so it's easier to follow. This poll has a series of questions that will be open until 1 April 2010.
Main Sails Currently Owned
single choice
I only own 1 Dacron/PEN Main (18%, 9 Votes)
I own multiple mains, only made of Dacron/PEN (55%, 27 Votes)
I only own 1 Main with non-class legal material (6%, 3 Votes)
I own multiple mains, with non-class legal material (2%, 1 Votes)
I own multiple mains, both Dacron/PEN and non-class legal material (18%, 9 Votes)
Total Votes: 49
Voting on this poll ends: 04/01/10 12:00 AM
PHRF / One Design (OD) Racing
multiple choice
I only race PHRF (35%, 20 Votes)
I only race OD (11%, 6 Votes)
I race mostly PHRF but some OD (30%, 17 Votes)
I race mostly OD but some PHRF (7%, 4 Votes)
There are no OD races available in my area (18%, 10 Votes)
Total Votes: 57
Voting on this poll ends: 04/01/10 12:00 AM
Travel To J/30 North Americans
multiple choice
I have participated in J/30 NAs at least once in past 3 years (30%, 17 Votes)
I have traveled out of area to attend the J/30 NAs (21%, 12 Votes)
I would travel to the J/30 NAs if alternate mainsail material were allowed (11%, 6 Votes)
Changing mainsail material doesn't matter, I still won't travel to the NAs (38%, 21 Votes)
Total Votes: 56
Voting on this poll ends: 04/01/10 12:00 AM
Perceptions on changing material
multiple choice
Dacron/PEN is cost effective, no need to change (32%, 17 Votes)
Newer materials are cost effective than Dacron/PEN and class should change (28%, 15 Votes)
Not enough data available to make decision to change main sail materials (23%, 12 Votes)
Based on data I've seen, my decision is reflected above (17%, 9 Votes)
Total Votes: 53
Voting on this poll ends: 04/01/10 12:00 AM
Sail Longevity
multiple choice
I prefer Dacron/PEN, knowing it can be used for a long time after useful life as a race sail (45%, 22 Votes)
I prefer a laminate knowing it holds race shape better a little longer than Dacron/PEN, but delminates at end of life (29%, 14 Votes)
There is better material available, and I'll describe it on the forum (4%, 2 Votes)
I don't care - either approach works for me (22%, 11 Votes)
Total Votes: 49
Voting on this poll ends: 04/01/10 12:00 AM
PHRF Changes for Sail Materials
single choice
The PHRF Rating in my area adjusts for sail materials used (19%, 8 Votes)
The PHRF Rating in my area is constant regardless of sail materials used (81%, 35 Votes)
Total Votes: 43
Voting on this poll ends: 04/01/10 12:00 AM
Procurement Cost Premium
single choice
I'm not willing to pay more for a sail than cost of Dacron/PEN (38%, 18 Votes)
I'm willing to pay a 10% premuim to buy a main with alternate materials (35%, 17 Votes)
I'm willing to pay a 25% premuim to buy a main with alternate materials (19%, 9 Votes)
Cost doesn't matter, I'm willing to pay whatever price to get the most competitive sail for my boat (8%, 4 Votes)
Total Votes: 48
Voting on this poll ends: 04/01/10 12:00 AM