How to Use a Jib on a Catamaran

The jib - the forwardmost sail.

The jib on a catamaran is the forward most small sail. Aerodynamically, it is designed to channel the apparent wind over the leeward (rear) side of the mainsail. On a catamaran, the jib is designed to help the catamaran tack, but it is off the wind that it's power comes to the fore.

Things You'll Need

• Catamaran fitted with a jib
• Body of water

Instructions

1. Going to windward, the jib has two roles. The first is to act as a wind indicator. When sailing, the luff of the jib--the very bottom of the sail--will begin to backwind when sailing too close to the wind. In this instance, veer away from the wind until the jib fills again.

2. Know that the jib's primary purpose going to windward is to drive the catamaran through a tack. The beam of a catamaran prevents the vessel from turning quickly, and the jib is employed to assist when tacking. As the catamaran moves through the eye of the wind, the jib will flap. Do not release the jib from the cleats. The motion of the catamaran will slowly turn it onto the new tack. As it does, the wind will begin backfilling the jib. The jib, still cleated on the old tack, will push the bow across onto the new tack. When the mainsail begins to fill or when forward motion is obtained on the new tack, release the job and secure the jib on the new tack.

3. remember when sailing off the wind, the jib becomes the funnel for directing the wind over the leeward side of the mainsail. Release the jib until it begins to flap in the breeze. Slowly pull in the jib line until the jib is no longer flapping. At that point it will have obtained it's best shape to direct wind over the lee of the mainsail.

Tips & Warnings

• Off the wind the jib responds to the apparent wind. As the speed of the vessel increases, the wind will begin to move forward and may result in the jib flapping. Tighten the jib line as necessary to retain it's shape.