jib thingamabob!

[Windkiller]

Here's my bimonthly stupid sailing question
On a few boats I've owned(small ones it's true) and on my recent boat (a full keel Danica 16) there been a funny thing on the clew/lower leech of the sail
On my Danica it's a small string coming from a bit above the clew, down through an enclosed V/jam cleat, the whole unit is covered by a velcroed flap of dacron.....I've seem similiar units on othe jibs
What the %@^@^# is it???
Thanks

[PaulinVictoria]

A leech line, used to tighten the leech

[Windkiller]

okay, thanks a lot
Now here's my 2nd bimonthly stupid sailing question
When would one use it?

[PaulinVictoria]

If it's fluttering along the leech (the jib I mean) despite being properly trimmed, you can tighten it to stop it fluttering. As with most sheets, let it out until it just starts to flutter, then snug it up a touch.

[Windkiller]

Cool
I've experienced that
I'm going to give that a try next time I'm out...tomorrow
Thanks again

[PaulinVictoria]

Have fun

[Minnewaska]

Depending on the size and load on the sail, tightening the leach line while underway can be a real pain. If you often have a loose leach, I would try to tighten it up in calm conditions or at the dock first. When you get it right, I don't find you need to adjust it much.

Further, when the jib is deployed, the leach line is going to be on the leeward side of the boat and possbily hanging over the water. Not a fun time to reach for it.