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A fairlead is the fitting that controls the angle at which the jib sheet pulls on the sail. On many sailboats, the fairlead or jib-sheet car slides forward and aft along a track. Moving it changes how much sheet tension is applied to the foot of the jib versus the leech, which changes the sail’s shape and twist. When you move the fairlead forward, the sheet pulls more downward on the sail. This increases tension on the leech, keeping the upper part of the jib more closed, while allowing the foot to become fuller. In simple terms: fairlead forward = less twist in the top of the jib. When you move the fairlead aft, the sheet pulls more horizontally. This increases tension along the foot but reduces tension on the leech. The upper part of the sail is then able to twist outward and spill wind. In simple terms: fairlead aft = more twist in the top of the jib. The telltales are the real test. Ideally, the telltales from the bottom to the top of the jib should behave similarly. If the upper telltales break first, the top of the sail often needs more power and less twist, so move the fairlead forward. If the lower telltales break first, move the fairlead aft, allowing more twist in the upper sail. There is also a useful heavy-air application. Moving the fairlead aft opens the upper leech and allows the top of the jib to twist away from the wind. That spills some of the wind from the upper sail, reducing power and therefore reducing heeling. So the easiest way to remember it is: Fairlead forward → tighter leech → less twist → more power up high. Fairlead aft → looser leech → more twist → spills power up high.  #sailingschool #sailing

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In this excerpt from the 2025 Worldwide Classic Boat Show, small boat designers Clint Chase, Ross Lillistone, and John Welsford discuss the advantages of lug rigs in small boats, especially balanced lug rigs in yawls. Members are watching this new video TODAY at Off Center Harbor!

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