Thanks all for the info. I have one more practice session before I join a
novice's race this weekend. Will try to put into effect all your wisdom
passed.


"Alan Baker" wrote in message
...
In article , "James L"
wrote:

Thank you, but it raises more questions.

Won't the jib interfere with the main sail as it sits right in front of
the
mail sail albeit of smaller size?

It will *affect* the main sail, but the affect is positive when the
sails are trimmed correctly.


When running, doesn't the mail sail block the jib, almost completely?

Yes, if you are running dead downwind (which is slower than running at a
slight angle to the wind) and provided you don't "wing" the jib out to
the opposite side.

That's why the spinnaker was invented. g



What is heeling?

The boat tipping to the side in response to the force of the wind on the
sails.



When you say "above the center of buoyancy" do you mean in front of the
center of buoyancy or are you talking height?

Don't know where you're going here, but I'd say height.


Thanks

"Gianluca" wrote in message
. ..
The main reason for a jib to exist is that its profile combines with
that
of
the mainsail when going upwind in a way that increase considerably the
overall lift. The reason is very aerodynamical and not very easy to
visualise, it has to do with the combination of the fluid flow
circuitations.

On the other courses it's more square metres of sail there to push
more
without adding extra heeling on the boat, since they are at low height
above
the center of buoyancy.

At the beginning of your career you'll find very easy to steer the boa
t
upwind just on how the little red and green lines fly near the luff.


"James L" ha scritto nel messaggio
...
I am a newbie on a Laser Pico. Can someone explain to me what the
jib
sail
does and how it works?





--
Alan Baker
Vancouver, British Columbia
"If you raise the ceiling 4 feet, move the fireplace from that wall
to that wall, you'll still only get the full stereophonic effect
if you sit in the bottom of that cupboard."