10
STRONGER WINDS
In stronger winds, we want to reduce the power of the sail so we open the leech
to spill some air by moving the genoa car aft and sheeting in. Again, we will
monitor the set of the sail by checking the telltales and adjusting the car position and sheet
accordingly. Not everyone has three sets of telltales on their headsail and if we only have
one set, making sure that they are flying at all times should ensure you are getting the best
performance out of the sail.11
WORKING WITH THE MAIN
Once your headsail is set, check it
isn’t backwinding the main (making
it luff). If it is, you may need to ease the sheet.12
OLDER HEADSAILS
Sails bag with age, causing the
draft to move aft. You can lessen
this on the headsail by
increasing luff tension
and moving the genoa
car further aft. Better still,
get a new sail or see if
a sailmaker can recut it.If your telltales are all flying
well but the leach is fluttering,
try tightening the leech line, but only
just enough to stop the flutteringEXPERT ON BOARD