David,
well, that was quite a broadside. I guess you and I disagree on what is good and what is not good when it comes to junksails.
First the yard:
A longer yard, as Hasler and McLeod landed on, and which I basically use, can easily be made strong enough, it is a simple question of engineering. The funny thing is that the top three panels hold up very well, both with full sail set, and when deeply reefed. I have indeed very few structural problems in my last few rigs. Besides, the top section has proved to be so effective that I refuse to trade it away for a flatter, shorter yard.
Now, there are a number of people who has built sails to my designs. Some of them have even assembled them using my methods.
If they return here with reports that they have run into trouble, performance-wise, handling-wise or with respect to structural problems, because of my advices, then I may have to reconsider my work.
I will anyway keep on sailing my own Ingeborg as she is, because she performs so well, and is so fun to sail.
Performance and fun - simple minds are easy to please!
Arne