Windmill Class Association

You certainly have the basic idea correct. With regard to upwind tension, you have to realize that if you pull the jib haliard "snug" then the tension will depend on vang, mainsheet, traveler (which matter more depends on overall system). So when I have my traveler lower and tension the mainsheet, I bend the top of the mast aft, thus increasing the tension on the jib luff.

The real good guys know what they are doing in this balance. I just pull the jib up "the right amount" so that the mast is vertical and then tension everything else so it seems right (center the traveler and keep it high with mainsheet tight unless u are overpowered). One critical key is to MARK your jib haliard so that you can reproduce the same setting (or know that you have made a small change). I keep the luff tight to point the boat...others may have a very small amount of "slack" to produce a fulller sail for footing the boat.

You need to look at your mast and make sure it is primarily vertical when there is a snug jib and normal leach tension on the mainsail. Compare with others in your fleet...come to a Nationals and look at all the different arrangements...get someone to help you establish a base from which you can make adjustments for different wind conditions.

Allen

:: I have a question on the jib tension sheet...
::
:: Loose downwind, tighten upwind is the rule of thumb I've
:: been using, which I hope is correct.
::
:: But how tight should I be making it? I'm sure I can over
:: tighten it, but is there a rule of thumb on that, or
:: just get it partially snug, or should I just leave
:: enough alone?
::
:: Thanks in advance.
::
::
:: Carter