UK Genoa Leads

In order to sheet a headsail properly, you must be able to apply tension to both the leech and foot of the sail. Achieving the proper balance of tension between the leech and foot is an important factor in your boat's performance.

Generally, a headsail will sheet to a point on the deck as diagramed at right.

In order to achieve proper headsail trim, it is necessary to move the headsail lead block through a range of different positions for different points of sail, and different wind conditions. Because the lead must be moved through a range of positions, you should locate the base sheeting location as diagramed above, and determine if the amount of genoa track range fore and aft of that position is suitable for your needs.

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The easiest way to determine your base sheeting location is with our "String Method". The advantage of this method is that it allows you to see precisely how your new Fleet headsail will fit your boat prior to ordering.

Step 1
Select the PC headsail with a luff length that is equal to or less than your "I" dimension. If you have a long enough measuring tape, you can also hoist the tape with your jib halyard and take the measurement.

You should find your "I" dimension in our rig dimension database.

Remember, you need to select a luff length that is at least 1% shorter than maximum to allow for stretch.

Step 2
Make up a piece of line with loops (bowlines) in each end, the length between which is equal to the luff length.

Step 3
Tie a second piece of line to the loop at the top (head). Measure down from the loop of the first line to the point on the second line that equals the corresponding leech length, and make a mark.

Step 4
Tie a third piece of line to the loop at the bottom (tack). Measure up from the loop of the first line to the point on the third line that equals the corresponding foot length, and make a mark.

Step 5
Tie the second and third lines together at the marks you made in step 3 & 4 with a square knot.

Step 6
Attach the bottom loop of the first line to your tack fitting.

Step 7
Attach the top loop of the first line to your halyard and raise the halyard until the first line (luff) is taught.

Step 8
Lead the jib sheet through your lead block in the normal fashion, and tie it to the square knot you tied in step 5.

Step 9
Tighten the jib sheet in the normal fashion.

Step 10
If you can tighten both lines 2 & 3 (the leech & foot) equally, the sail will fit. If line 2 (the leech) is tight, but line 3 (the foot) is slack, you need to move the lead aft. If line 3 (the foot) is tight, but line 2 (the leech) is slack, you need to move the lead forward.

While the "string sail" is hoisted, you will be able to get a very good idea of how your PC sail will look on your boat.

If you have a fractional rig with jumpers, make sure that the second string (leech) is not touching the struts or stays when you tighten the jib sheet.

If your genoa track position does not enable you to tighten both lines 2 & 3 (the leech & foot) when the jib sheet is tight, you will need to move your track, install more track, or order a custom sail.