So perhaps Peter, before anyone can satisfactorily answer your question, what they really need to know is why do you want to remove those battens? Is the sail old, (you haven't mentioned how old the sail is), and worn such that it's gone baggy (has it had many seasons of use perhaps from inexpert charterers) and has become difficult to furl and unfurl. Has it been poorly repaired following damage while under previous ownership etc. Was the sail perhaps made to order using incorrect measurements, or could it have been supplied by one of the dealers in secondhand sails, and doesn't quite fit exactly? Any information like that that might give some pointers as to the best remedy.