J22 Manual - UCI Campus Recreation

UCI J/22 Sailing Manual 24
the sail to luff first.
C- Just Right: Here is how the telltales fly when the fairlead is properly adjusted.
The Slot:
The area between the mainsail and jib is called the slot. When sails are
adjusted incorrectly, or are cut too flat or too full by the sail maker, the
slot may be less than ideal. When the slot is too closed (not enough
distance between the sails) the boat may heel excessively, or the
mainsail may backwind. When the slot is too open (too much distance
between the sails), the sails may not develop enough lift to windward,
and the boat will not point well or sail fast to windward. A good rule of
thumb is to keep the leech edge of the jib at 90 degrees to the spreader
when the sail is pulled in all the way. If it is pulled in too tight, that will
not be a 90-degree angle.
Understanding the Wind
In order to maintain speed and keep sails properly trimmed, you need to understand the wind.
Wind strength and direction can change so you will need to respond appropriately. You should
understand the terms used below to describe the wind so that you can communicate easily
with other sailors to sail the boat properly.
Puffs and Lulls
A puff is a temporary increase in wind velocity marked often by a dark patch of water. A lull is a
temporary loss of wind speed in which you may see a smooth patch of water.
Wind Shifts
Header
A header is a wind shift toward the bow of your boat. If close hauled
you will have to fall off (turn away from wind).
Lift
A lift is a wind shift away from your bow, allowing you to head up (turn
closer into the wind).
True Wind
The "true wind" is the actual wind blowing. You will feel this at a fixed point, such as standing
on the docks.
Apparent Wind (the wind you sail in)
Apparent wind is the combination of the true wind and the wind created by the boat moving
forward. If your speed or the true wind speed changes, the apparent wind will not only change
in speed, but also in direction.
You may notice that apparent wind is less when
traveling downwind because you are moving the
same direction as the wind. When you are not going
directly away from the wind, your apparent wind will