Self-tacking jibs and staysails are popular on boats of all sizes because tacking is nearly automatic, with no need to haul or release a sheet. They work well with furling systems and with jib booms. Calculate loadings for traveler cars and blocks using the the following jib sheet formula: Loading Formulas
Typical Boat Length:
Small Boat: 22' - 28' (6.7 - 8.5 m)
Midrange: 29' - 34' (8.8 - 10.4 m)
Big Boat: 35' - 42' (10.7 - 12.8 m)
Standard Self-tacker
This system is often used on course racing keelboats like Solings. The traveler track is bent in a radius equal to the distance from the headstay to the sheeting point along the LP of the sail.
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2:1 Self-tacker
Self-tacking jibs are popular because they keep the foredeck clean.
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Self-tacker on Jib Boom
Self-tacking jibs and staysails work well with furling systems and jib booms. This system features two “sheets”—one controls the in and out movement of the sail much like an outhaul. The other controls the boom.
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