Leach and foot line adjustments

[25yearslater]

Well I'm to the point of scratching a bald spot on my head with trying to figure out proper leach and foot line adjustments on my jibs (100% and 140% hank on) and my leach line on the main. Thus far other than eliminating leach flutter I haven't seen much performance change. Is there indeed a proper way to use these for maximum effect or efficiency?

 

[Jackdaw]

Thus far other than eliminating leach flutter I haven't seen much performance change. :

That's ALL they are for. Tightly them only to the point where flutter stops. Always remember to ease them; if they are too tight they will 'cup' the leech of the sail and disrupt flow.

 

[Joe]

As Jackdaw says, the leech and foot lines' purpose is to reduce sail wear and tear. Besides the obvious unkindness to your valuable sails.... the fluttering is incredibly annoying to skipper and crew. Overdoing it will cup the sail's edge... and may indicate that it's time for your local sail loft to work their recut magic.

 

[25yearslater]

Thanks guys. Good to know I have been doing it right if more by accident than knowledge. Mostly I have been snugging them up to eliminate the annoying buzzing sound a fluttering leach makes.

 

[Serenity21306]

TellTails

My humble opinion mimics the others. But here's an idea. Try a couple of telltails on your leach. I haven't done that myself but plan to.

Richard

 

[25yearslater]

Oooo, got a lesson on something else a poor leach adjustment leads to. The line slipped its' jamcleat and set up a horrific reverberation through the whole rig. Glad all my rigging and attachment points are new. Quite exciting with winds in the 15 to 20 mph range. Amazing how a fluttering leach can really get your attention in a hurry beyond just annoying. I would now assign them a necessary sail trim item that I fully appreciate their function. Thanks again for the input guys.