TEACHING STUDENTS TO SAIL


Jib Controls It is important that sailors understand that the jib is equally as important as the mainsail, even though it is usually smaller in size. The wind hits the jib first and if the jib is trimmed improperly, the mainsail is unable to generate maximum lift and efficiency.


Jib Halyard If the tack of the jib is fixed, then the jib halyard changes the jib sail shape like the cunningham/downhaul changes mainsail shape. Pull the jib halyard up tight and you will see the “gutter” start to develop near the front edge (luff). If the jib halyard is too loose, you will see large wrinkles in the luff of the jib.


For dinghies with forestays and luff wires, there are several things to note: E If the mast is inverted (the middle of mast bows aft), there is way too much jib halyard tension.


E If the rig is moving around, there is not enough jib halyard tension, and themast could pop out of the mast step or the partners if you capsize.


To gauge proper tension, pull on the jib halyard until the shrouds and jib luff are just firm. This should allow for some movement in the shroud with some applied pressure from main sheet tension. As the breeze increases, add more jib halyard tension to increase luff tension until you reach mast inversion (the middle of the mast bows aft).


Jib Cunningham If the jib is rigged with a cunningham or downhaul adjustment, it behaves exactly like that on the mainsail.


It helps control the draft of the jib.


Jib Luff Sag To power up, ease halyard to increase luff sag and fullness of the jib; to depower, tighten halyard to reduce luff sag and flatten the sail.


More Jib Halyard Tension


Less Jib Halyard Tension


Table of Contents


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