Leech flap

[Rotor]

When sailing close hauled in a strong wind I encounter significant flapping of the mainsail leech. I am getting good power out of the sails but the noise is significant. Thoughts?

 

[Jim Quibell]

Tighten up your leech line

I have never seen a mainsail without one - but that doesn't mean that there may be some out there that don't have a leech line. These are usually held in place with a good sized velcro patch, and are located just above the outhaul cringle.The line runs from that point inside the leech and is fastened at the head.Simply tighten it up when the leech starts to flap.

 

[Scott]

Leech Flapping

To reduce some of the "flap" while close-hauled, consider hauling the traveler to the high side, thus opening the slot between main and jib a little. On my Cal25, I notice this to be helpful. Also, most mainsails have a "leech-line, which when tightened can reshape the leech of the sail. If so equipped, try snugging that down a little.Scott S.Cal 25 #1651 IndefatigableFrog Mortar Creek, MD

 

[Alan]

Cool idea

To have your leech line run to the tack instead of the clew that way when you are reaching or running you can ease the leech line. When the control line ends at the bottom of the leech, you can't get to it. We did this on our main and it works great.

 

[Rick Macdonald]

Cool, but how exactly?

How did you extend the leech line to the tack?

 

[Alan]

Good Question

Instead of deadending the leech line at the headboard, reverse it and deadend at the clew. Run the line up to the headboard and over a micro block then down the luff(inside a cover) to a cleat just above the tack. You will need to add a cleat just above the reef point also. Now you can adjust the leech line at the mast no matter the position of the boom.