How much force is the mainsail subjected to?

[crazy8]

I am just wondering what kind of force the mainsail on lets say a 27ft boat is subjected to. Im just interested in a general approximation so feel free dictate the mast height and sail area.

[Talyn]

(maximum expected wind speed) ^2 x (sail area in square feet)
divide the whole thing by 232
and you'll get the approximate pull on the sheet

remember that as wind speed increases two fold, forces on sail quadruple

[mitiempo]

Here's a link to Harken's Compuspec. Harken Compu Spec
It calculates loads on your specific design at various wind speeds for mains, headsails, etc.