We present an experimental study of high-aspect-ratio Faraday waves. W
e have measured the dispersion relation and the damping rate, together
with the critical amplitude for the primary instability for a wide ra
nge of frequencies. We find that our results are well explained by the
linear theory, if damping from the moving contact line is considered
in addition to the bulk damping, Just above the primary instability a
seemingly disordered stationary state is observed. We argue that this
state is a superposition of normal modes. Approximately 5 % above the
primary instability this state breaks down in favour of a quasi-crysta
lline state. This result is discussed, partly in the light of the rece
nt third-order nonlinear theory.