Flying the Jib as a MiniSpinnaker Downwind

I have been experimenting with my sails. I have found that in winds over about 12 mph I tend to quit using the spinnaker. The forces on the mast and the boat seem too much. But I found that with the way I rigged my jib, I can relax the jib at the tack and the clew and actually fly it like a mini spinnaker. By flying the jib out and away from the main when going downwind, it wants to stay more full. You can definitely feel the extra lift and in higher winds it is all I and the boat can handle. Here is a video in milder winds.




I found that you can also "fly" the jib when going upwind. Upwind, this allows you to fine tune the jib angle and eliminates back winding the main sail. That has been a problem with the narrow slot you get when putting a jib in the typical position on an Island. Moving the the tack laterally slightly (1 ft for upwind) seems to have the effect of maximizing the jibs effect/power upwind as well.

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Greg

2016 AI - Spinn & Jib

“Out of sight of land the sailor feels safe. It is the beach that worries him.”
– Charles G. Davis