How to tell jib and main leeches aligned?

[darsunt]

As I understand it, to have the 'slot' effect going when sailing close hauled, the curves on the jib leech and the main leech should match. However, I've noticed when steering it is impossible to see both leeches clearly. It seems to me the only clear view of the jib and main leeches is from a boat that is astern and to starboard of us!
How do you guys get a good enough view to tell if the leeches of the jib and main are properly aligned, and the slot effect is working?

[Stu Jackson]

'Cuz the leeches don't have to line up, the curve of the jib leech could "line up" with the belly of the mainsail, that's all.

I've never heard of sail trim taught that way. New one on me.

[cal40john]

If you have upper and lower telltales and get both sets flying that should get the twist right which should get the leeches matched up.


Steve Colgate talks about matching leeches here:

Fundamentals of Sailing, Cruising, and Racing - Stephen Colgate - Google Books

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by cal40john

If you have upper and lower telltales and get both sets flying that should get the twist right which should get the leeches matched up.


Steve Colgate talks about matching leeches here:

Fundamentals of Sailing, Cruising, and Racing - Stephen Colgate - Google Books

And if you do not have the telltales, you can buy some and add them. But check online or some sailing book for proper placement.

Also if you need to point a little higher, some guys will sail into the wind enough so that the inside jib telltales are at 45 degrees or higher. You'll know whats best after you get the feel of your boat.

Some guys will use leech telltales also.

[darsunt]

So you guys are saying we can never get a clear view from the boat of how the main and jb leech curves match, we have to judge from the telltales. That's no fun.
Also a shame there are no clear sails, so one can keep a better eye on the jib telltales hidden behind the main sail...

[cal40john]

Originally Posted by darsunt

So you guys are saying we can never get a clear view from the boat of how the main and jb leech curves match, we have to judge from the telltales. That's no fun.
Also a shame there are no clear sails, so one can keep a better eye on the jib telltales hidden behind the main sail...

There are lots of clear laminate/spectra sails that you can see through, pricey though.

Or you can have strategically placed plastic windows in your sails. Lots of race boats do that. Not only windows to view the leeward telltale but windows to see through the main to see jib telltales.