how to reapair a rip above the batton

I have a 5m race sail which is abou 10 years old which has a rip on the mast side of 3rd batton up, where the sail has seperated from the battont. Is there anyway to repair it other than with sailtape which just gets rippe d off

[Roger]

Take your sail to a competent windsurfing sail repair shop.
They should be able to take the batten out, clean the tear up, glue and stitch it back stronger than new.
They can replace the entire batten pocket or the entire panel if required.
Hope this helps,
Roger

[PG]

But the cost for the operation is such that it probably makes more sense to look for a used sail in good condition, a sail that is only 5 years old!

Small race sails are quite rare, and modern race sails are quite different beasts than those from Y2000. Consider if you would be just as happy with a camless sail, even a wavesail...

could it be stitched up with marine thread

[Roger]

Yes, you could stitch it up by hand, using waxed dental floss (very strong thread) or something from the marine chandlery made for sail repair, but having it done professionally on a sewing machine will give you a much better job.
Better still, repair it with pre glued sail repair tape (get it really clean, and <gently> use a hair dryer to warm/seal the
glue, then stitch by hand.
Hope this helps,
Roger