Removable Jib
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Last update, February 10, 2003

 

 

 

The removable jib is a means of separating the jib from the mainsail of the same suit. This allows the jib and the main to be of different sail cloth weight and shape. Additionally, this flexibility reduces the number of rigs needed in an inventory. Here are some examples for a single A rig:

  •  A TS50 main could be accompanied with a TS40 and TS25 jib.

  •  A TS40 main could be accompanied with a TS40 and TS25 jib.

  •  A PX75 main could be accompanied with a PX75, TS40 and TS25 jib.

One could start thinking of rig set rather than sail suits. Each rig would then have a wider range of operational wind conditions. However, the concept of using and understanding a heavier mainsail in the mix for air conditions from drifting to 10 MPH must be understood and practiced. While this may seem to be advanced tuning, it is really understanding the relationship between the jib and the main and where the steering and driving forces are.

 

This section is about the process of rigging for a removable jib and not the theory of dissimilar sail use. But the concept and use of mixing TS25 and TS40 sails has been around for some time and is less extreme than those mentioned above. While DMYC is not the authority on these matters, it can be said that some time on the water is enlightening and not nearly as restrictive as it may seem. With that carrot we will proceed.

 

The Process

Throughout the class there has been a proliferation of adjustment systems and mounts (or anchors) to the booms and mast. The process shown here is with the Nickel Silver (NiAg) rings and the rigging process preferred here. So, the concepts presented will need to be adapted to personal preference in connections and rigging. The sail inventory re-fitting for 2003 was to reduce the complication of exchanging jibs to a point equal to, or faster, than changing a entire rig and re-tune.

 

The plan of this concept was to use two A rigs that would have five different sets. Those two are the TS40 DT Sails main and the PX75 CarrSails main. The former would have two sets and the latter three. Each rig would be identical. The measurements and rigging of the standoff at the forestay mount on the mast, the forestay and jib swivel terminals on the boom would be exact. This would produce an identical positioning environment for all the jibs no matter on which rig. By converting only three hard mounted terminal connections to disconnecting ones, the rig's jib boom would be the same and not removed from the rig with the jib. The fourth connection disconnect is at the head of the jib at the standoff terminal, which has always been so here at DMYC.

A rig to be used is stood on the boat with all connections and tensions set and tuned for racing. Another jib to be used is prepared with a forestay wire and loop terminal at the head. An uphaul is prepared with a bowsie and attached to the grommet at the head. The head and the tack are then taped to the rigged jib in place. The uphaul is then installed through the standoff CL connector firm enough to match the other jib.

 

 

A piece of line is prepared with a loop and connected to a CL connector, which is attached to an anchor on the boom. This anchor is not adjustable. The other end of the tack securing line passes through the original forestay mount on the boom and secured firmly to the tack grommet. In this process, differences of 1/8" may occur in the vertical alignment of the two jibs. This is not a problem.

 

The forestay wire is passed through the original mount and fastened to the CL connector by a swage fashioned loop. This is to be firm against the backstay tension. Remove the tape.

Note: The compressed swage that forms the loop must be able to pass through the original mount for removal. The old mount in essence becomes a guide. If it cannot, then a guide needs to be installed that will allow removal of the lower forestay connection.

 

The loose line loops hanging from the clew grommet are the standoff loops for the jib that loop over the end of the boom to hold the clew within 5/8". They did not need to be attached for this installation and the full process will be noted below during removal.

 

The clew adjustment line (camber) is prepared with a loop for the CL connector that is now attached to the adjuster. This is then passed through the boom end guide and secured to the clew grommet with slack to match the rigged jib. This completes the process. The jib is removed if another is to be installed and fitted.

 

Removal

In most cases, when the backstay is relaxed the mast will tilt aft. When the jib is disconnected at the upper forestay connector the mast will fall down...not good. Determine what preventative measure to be used. The lower shroud connectors are moved forward here to hold the mast in place.

 

Unhook the jib and topping lift connections from the upper forestay connector. Unhook the clew adjustment line, slide the clew standoff loops off the boom and pull the topping lift line free of the loops. Set the topping lift line to the side. Unhook the lower forestay and downhaul at the tack. Store the jib away.

 

Install

Hook the upper forestay loop and uphaul to the connector. Thread and connect the lower forestay and downhaul. Pass the topping lift line through the clew standoff loops so they will slide onto the boom with the topping lift in proper position. Thread and connect the clew adjustment line through the end guide to the adjuster.

 

Move the lower shroud connectors to the desired position and re-tighten the backstay. Tension the uphaul to preference. The camber and topping lift settings will now be the same as the jib removed. Adjust as needed. You're done.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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