| very briefly...
Radial cut ( i.e all seams run horizontal ) is the simplest, and
probably the cheapest. Should be fine for running and broad reaching,
performance would be very slightly lower than more expensive racing
designs. However, should be fine for cruising.
Tri-radial ( i.e. all the seams radiate from the three corners, meeting
in the middle with a few cross cut panels ). Just about all racing
kites are like this. They offer much better reaching performance,
particularly close reaching, but are more expensive.
Star-cut. Similar to tri-radial, except without the cross-cut panels.
fairly rare.
Asymmetric. The principle advantage of these are they don't need any
extra gear ( poles etc. ), as they are flown like a loose luff genoa,
but if you already have the gear, don't bother. The downwind
performance is lousy, mainly because you can't push the tack up to
windward ( which a pole does )
On a cruising boat, aesthetics are probably quite important. I happen
to think that tri-radials look better, but if you are not racing, the
cross-cut sail will probably give you enough extra performance, for
less price.
Chris
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