Any thoughts on the best position for the Jib traveler car? I have been letting it all the way out to keep the slot open.

When I picked my boat up Matt said the only time to let it all the way out was in really high wind. In which case I think you could argue to just not put the jib on anyway. I see your concern though- I used to sial a 6.0 express that bsically had a jib the size of our spins. Any amount of sheeting on that POS would backwind the main so I have been wary of that every since.

Hi Stephen,

I have also bought a new Blade recently and I must say I have the feeling I could point higher upwind without losing speed if the jib traverler car wouldn't be all the way out.
I also think I would be better to block the traveller earlier. But does that leave enough space between the the jib and mainsail?

Regards,
Gill

Maybe Matt M can let us know what the ideal traveler car position is in winds from 7 to 15.

I have been letting it all the way out but I know they pull it in somewhat on the Tiger.

S

I set my jib car right at the cleat, or just outside the cleat in winds up to full double trap. As I get overpowered, we will ease it out to let a little more open slot.

The actual track is pretty narrow because the spin gets rid of the need to have a lot of travel. The setting you use though is very dependant on the spae of your main sail. With a full main sail, you will not be able to travel in nearly as far. The way they set up the Alter Cup boats, for example, the sail would not flatten out no matter how much down haul was applied. The jib then had to be set at max travel, just to keep the slot open.

Unfortunately nothing is as simple as a set formula. In 7-15 you can easily get someone to stear and then lay down on the tramp and look at the slot. Make sure that the flow of both the main and the jib are the same. There is not a lot of sail area in the jib, but it can make a huge impact in how this boat behaves (both good and bad).

M