15
SPINNAKER TRIM - Judging the curl...
J/35
Tuning Guide
.6 Polyester in 14 knots true
The photos (above and right) highlight the trimmers view of the spinnaker. Jody
(at left) is trimming the spinnaker - gauging luff curl as one of his trim indica-
tors. When sailing in VMG mode, the spinnaker luff should fly vertically off the
pole–in this case the pole could go forward by 1’. In the photo (above left), you
can see the luff rising vertically from the pole and the amount of curl. This is the
max amount of curl since any more would cause the spinnaker to rollerfurl
away some speed. In the photo (right) the curl is just a bit small for optimum
but it will rebound with a nice snap, which is fast.
AIRBORNE in great downwind trim.
There are only two people in the
cockpit, and the remaining crew are
seated down low facing aft. For more
speed, the rig could be pulled further
forward by easing the backstay 5”
and aggressively tightening the
genoa halyard which should be
snapped to the tack.
Action
Effect
Sheet
Trim
Increase angle of attack; reduces depth
Guy
Trim
Reduces angle of attack; increases projected area
Pole Height
Raise
Reduces depth; reduces twist; destabilizes sail
Twing
Tighten
Reduces twist, increases depth, stabilizes sail
Spinnaker Controls
