Jib/Genoa Leech Flutterin....

[Kacper]

Hey guys,

Here's a question I've been meaning to ask for some time but kept forgetting.

When the leech of your jib or genoa is "fluttering" while you are on a close reach or close hauled, what does this mean? Should you tighten the sheet or release? Do you ahve too much sail up for the conditions?

When I say "fluttering" I don't mean "luffing", because there is a lot of wind on the sail, but it seems to flutter in a high frequency making quite a distinct fluttering noise. During this time the boat still has way and isn't losing way.

My personal experience was when closehauled I would tighten the sheet and the fluttering would diminish, however, sometimes even when I tightened the sheet as much as possible it still fluttered.

MY other guess would be that the boat might be pointing too high when this happens.

This usually happens on a 130% Genoa with a boat I sail often in the sailing club, so maybe this sail is reaching the end of its lifespan as it's been used so often and can't hold it's shape anymore?

Kacper

[Aasem]

Is it fluttering (flogging is the term) at the top, middle, bottom, or evenly along the entire leech?

First, check your jib lead location--they might be too far aft. If they're set for proper trimming under the conditions, then snug the leech line. That should take care of it.

[Sailormon6]

Put just enough tension on the leech line to make it stop fluttering. It's not a sign of a worn out sail. It often happens on new sails. The leech just needs a little support, and that's the purpose of the leech line. Whatever you do, don't ignore it. A fluttering leech really hurts the boat's performance.

[sailingdog]

Also, a fluttering leech can damage the sailcloth pretty quickly...

[Kacper]

Thanks for the tips, I'll try that next time.

Hmm, as per the fairleads, why would having them too far aft cause this?

... the sail flutters near the middle and top of the leach.

Kacper

[equitiman]

How do you deal with this if you don't have a leech line?

[trantor12020]

fairlead too far aft would tension the foot and opening up the leech whereas too far forward would tension the leech and have more draft at foot.

[Sailormon6]

How do you deal with this if you don't have a leech line?

The only way I know to deal with it is to have your sailmaker add a leech line to your sail. I repaired a torn leech line pocket on an old sail once with a standard sewing machine, and it wasn't difficult. If you're handy with that sort of thing, I don't think it would be a difficult DIY project.

[equitiman]

Thanks Sailormon...maybe I'll make that my foray into sail maintenance/repair.

Bob

[Kacper]

Originally Posted by trantor12020

fairlead too far aft would tension the foot and opening up the leech whereas too far forward would tension the leech and have more draft at foot.

Ahh, I see now. It all makes sense. Thanks