Jib Profile

I have a 82 H16 and have updated it for more mast rake (6:1 H194/H153 and modified rudders/tillers, etc.) so that I can sheet the main blocks within an inch of each other. I understand the advantages of more mast rake, but not of a very low jib profile.

I normally connect my jib near the top of the lower stay adjuster, but recently I tried connecting it directly to the bridle shackle to see how the boat would perform with a lower jib profile. It did lower the jib clew plate so the jib sheet enters the traveller jib blocks at more of an angle instead of almost vertically. The problem I have with lowering the jib that far is that it blocks more of my view of the leeward side since I can't look under it to see what's ahead of me and the jib window is too small and still too high for that purpose.

Are there any advantages to lowering the jib profile (less tendency to pitch pole?, better pointing?, etc.?), if so then I will consider reducing the stack in my jib blocks and figure out how to see the leeward side better when sailing solo and not on the trap.

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Tim
84 H16
82 H16
87 H14T
Tortola Sails: 115222
Blue Prism Sails: 88863
Clearwater, FL

The higher up the jib is in the forestay/mast triangle the smaller the triangle is and the closer the battens are to the mast. This triangle is even smaller with a lengthened forestay to allow cheek to cheek blocking of 6/1. Thats the one thing that keeps me with the jib down low. Sure there are others I have no clue of.

The higher the jib, the more it constricts the space between the mainsail and the jib. It's not as aerodynamically efficient.