Cords on Foot and Leach of Jib

[Richard]

Don, I love your site here, and just ordered your book. I have a question about my Neilpride jib. I'm embarrassed to ask, but the jib has two cords, one running along the leach and one along the foot. Each cord is fastened to the sail on one end, and the other end is loose but ends in a velcro closing. I've figured out that I can pull the cords to obtain tension on the sides of the jib. My question is: why should I be interested in this adjustment? Thanks!

 

[Mikkel Brahm]

Reshape older sails

First sorry for not knowing the right terms in english - my maritime language is Danish.The cords are used primarily on older sails that have become hollow - they loose shape over the years. If the Leach cannot stand in a straight even line you pull the cord and fasten it with the velcro so as to provide a smooth edge for the wind to leave the sail.Be carefull not to tighten it too much, or you will "close" the sail, preventing the wind to leave smoothly._/)_ Mikkel.

 

[Dr. Robt. A. Brown]

Anti-juddering leach and foot cords

You are very lucky to have a high quality sail! The leach and foot lines are an indication of high quality because thay are more trouble to install, but will in some cases extend the life of your sail. How?When the sail is set, under some conditions, the leach or foot, or both, of the sail will be sent into an oscillation/vibration. This will fatigue the sail cloth at the leach or foot seam, causing the sail to fail early. By adjusting the tension on the affected area, using the cords, the vibration can be stopped, thus increasing the life of the sail. Only increase the tension if you get the vibration (also known as "juddering" because of how it sounds).