The outhaul is a line that connects to the clew of the mainsail (the ring in the lower aft corner) and pulls the sail back toward the end of the boom. On most boats, this line or wire cable passes around a block (pulley) down into the boom, as shown in this photo.

Where is the outhaul on boat?

Outhaul- The Outhaul is attached to the clew (aft corner) of the mainsail then runs through the boom and comes out of the boom about a third of the way back from the mast. bottom of the sail and makes the boat easier to handle in building breeze.

What is sailboat outhaul?

An outhaul is a control line found on a sailboat. It is an element of the running rigging, used to attach the mainsail clew to the boom and tensions the foot of the sail. ... The outhaul is loosened to provide a fuller camber or tightened to give the sail foot a flatter camber.

Where is the Cunningham on a sail?

A Cunningham is an adjustment line used to increase the performance of the mainsail by changing its shape. Basically, it is a rope that acts as a downhaul, which is often connected to a cringle in the luff of the mainsail between the tack and first reef point.

What is the topping lift on a sailboat?

The topping lift (more rarely known as an uphaul) is a line which applies upward force on a boom on a sailboat. Part of the running rigging, topping lifts are primarily used to hold a boom up when the sail is lowered. This line would run from near the free end of the boom(s) forward to the top of the mast.

Sailing : Outhaul Adjustment and Function

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What is the purpose of a cunningham on a sailboat?

The cunningham controls the fore and aft position of draft in the mainsail or genoa and works together with the traveler, mainsheet, outhaul and vang to optimize sail shape and increase boatspeed. Cunningham controls lead to the crew to encourage adjustment as wind speed changes.

Do I need an outhaul?

If the boat is heeling too far and developing weather helm, add outhaul. Upwind, the mainsail should generally be flatter than when sailing off the wind, so it is better to use more outhaul. ... The outhaul is usually only eased all the way off (approximately 100mm from maximum tension) when sailing off the wind.

How tight should the outhaul be?

In moderate wind, the outhaul should be moderately tight, flattening the sail and giving better shape for sailing upwind or on a reach. In a stronger wind, when you might need to depower the main to prevent excessive heeling, the outhaul should be very tight. A flatter sail produces less heeling force.

What is an outhaul mooring?

Whether you call it a clothesline moor or an outhaul, it's slicker than mossy rocks. ... And it's easy to do, once you collect a few pieces of gear. The clothesline needs two anchors to work — one on the beach and one in the water. The shore anchor can be in situ, like a boulder or tree.

How do you make an outhaul mooring?

To set your temporary outhaul mooring smoothly, you need to first make sure all your lines are free to run before you approach the shore, and then attach one end of your continuous outhaul line to a strong point near the bow of your dinghy and the other end to a strong point at the stern.

What is the difference between a genoa and jib?

Jibs are typically 100% to 115% LP and are generally used in areas with heavier winds. ... Typically a jib will be no greater than 115% of the fore-triangle dimensions. A genoa is similar to a jib but is larger and reaches past the mast. It will typically overlap a mainsail to some extent.

What is the difference between a Cunningham and a Downhaul?

The cunningham differs from a typical downhaul in the way that it attaches to the sail. ... It is then passed through a cringle in the luff of the sail near the foot, but above the tack, and then led down on the other side to a fitting on the mast or boom or on deck.

What is the mainsheet on a sailboat?

A mainsheet is a line connected to the boom which allows a sailor to control the speed of a boat. The jib sheet attaches to the clew of the jib, and controls it. The jib has a sheet on each side, only one of which (the leeward one) will be in use at one time.

What is a backstay on a sailboat?

A backstay is a piece of standing rigging on a sailing vessel that runs from the mast to either its transom or rear quarter, counteracting the forestay and jib. It is an important sail trim control and has a direct effect on the shape of the mainsail and the headsail.

What does a clew do?

The clew outhaul connects to the clew of the mainsail. The outhaul, when pulled tight, pulls the foot tight across the length of the boom and in doing so it helps to flatten the sail, especially the foot, thus increasing cord length and reducing draft. ...

What is the best sail shape?

The best shape for acceleration has the draft fairly far forward. Upwind -- When a boat is sailing into the wind, you want sails that are relatively flat. Flatter sails reduce drag when sailing upwind and also allow you to point a little closer to the wind.

What does heaving to require?

The process is simple enough. Basically, to heave-to the helm must put the boat through a tack but, critically, the headsail sheets are not touched, thus backing the headsails and balancing the boat on a working, probably trimmed flat, mainsail and backed headsail.

What does a luffing sail indicate?

In sailing, luffing refers to when a sailing vessel is steered far enough toward the direction of the wind ("windward"), or the sheet controlling a sail is eased so far past optimal trim, that airflow over the surfaces of the sail is disrupted and the sail begins to "flap" or "luff" (the luff of the sail is usually ...

How do you flatten a main sail?

Basically, the tighter the outhaul, the flatter the bottom of the sail. If the waves are big for the wind, ease the outhaul slightly to give more power. If the waves are small for the wind, as in an offshore breeze, pull on the outhaul to flatten the sail and reduce drag.

When should sails be flattened?

A periodic check is worth the effort. I replace my sheets every two years. The basic theory of trimming is simple: In light wind, a curved sail with lots of shape is faster, but as the wind speed increases, the sail needs to be flattened to reduce its power.

What is the difference between a Cunningham and a boom vang?

1. A boom downhaul is used on a boom that connects/attaches to a track mounted gooseneck, track is mounted to the mast. 2. A cunningham is used on a gooseneck that is direct attached to a mast (no track to slide up and down on)...