Harken Yacht Equipment Catalog OnLine

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Reference > Self-Tacking Jibs & Staysails

Self-lacking jibs and staysails are popular on boats of all sizes because they simplify boat handling - tacking is nearly automatic with no need to grind in a jib sheet. Calculate loadings for traveler cars and blocks using the jib sheet formula here.

Typical boat length:
Small Boat: 22' - 28' (6.7 - 8.5 m)
Midrange: 29' - 34' (8.8 - 10.4m)
Big Boat: 35' - 42' (10.7 - 12.8m)

Diagram Ref. Description Small Boat Part No. Midrange Part No. Big Boat Part No.

System 1

A Thru-deck 088/131 046 047

B Single 2636 2600 1950/1540

System 2

A Single 340 2636 2600

B Padeye 073 1558 688

C Cheek 350 2644/2606 2606

D Single 2636 2600 2660

System 3

A Purler OOAL/0 1/1.5 2

B Double 2638/2602 2602/2662 2662/1952

C Single 2636/2600 2600/2660 2660/1950

D Single 26372601 2601/2661 2661/1951

E Deck organizer 270 6054/1500 6052/724

1: A simple system is often used on course racing keel boats 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.

2: Popular because it keeps the foredeck clear.

3: Self-tacking jibs and staysails work well with furling systems and with jib booms. In this system there are two "sheets" - one controls the movement of the sail in and out much like an outhaul. The other sheet controls the boom.

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