Batten Pocket

A reinforced sleeve or enclosure in a sail that retains a sail batten.

The pocket positions the batten so it supports the sail’s designed shape, controls the leech and reduces flutter. Pockets may hold short or full-length battens and can include adjustable end fittings that set batten compression.

The pocket end, stitching and closure carry concentrated loads and should be checked for chafe, tearing or a batten working free. The batten’s length, stiffness and orientation must match the sailmaker’s design rather than simply making the sail as flat as possible.