self tacking jibs

[tom bergeron]

more and more sub-40-foot new sloop boats from europeare equiped with self tacking jibs.does this design prefer lower aspect ratio sailnumbers and what other specifics need to be followedto make a main and self tacking jib sail plan mostbeneficial in a variety of wind conditions? are there any hull shapes or I, J, P E ratios that aredeemed more desireable?i've been exploring self tacking jib with my o'day 272 as you can see in the photo

 

[Bill Colombo]

Tom, Self tacking jibs have been around for a long time but recent improvments in rigging and hardware have made it possible to apply this system to more and more types of sailboats. The jib itself usually ends up being relatively high aspect since the sail needs to clear the front of the mast and is typically not larger than 90%. This is why you see self tacking jibs on boats that do not require large overlapping headsails for sufficient power. If you think your 272 will sail well with this size headsail then a self tacking jib might be just the thing.Bill ColomboDoyle Sailmakers

 

[Steve Dion]

Had one for years.

Tom:We have had a self tending jib for years on our Hunter 31. We actually used a camber spar. Several mfg. used them on boats as an OEM item. The spar is actually inside a pocket in the jib. Actually a nice setup if you do not plan on changing head sails and there is no deck hardware to mess with either.