How to be a “betterer” headsail trimmer

Dave Dellenbaugh, member of the 2025 Class of the National Sailing Hall of Fame, wants us to be better headsail trimmers. He offered some tips in WindCheck magazine, and continues the education in this report:

Luff tension
Like the mainsail cunningham, the jib halyard is not intended primarily for removing wrinkles so the sail looks better. The main purpose of the halyard is to adjust luff tension and thereby control the position of draft in the sail. Pull the halyard tighter to move draft forward and make the sail flatter; ease it to move the draft aft and make the sail fuller.

Speed wrinkles
Sometimes the presence (or absence) of wrinkles along the luff of the sail is a helpful guide for getting the right halyard tension. In light air, it’s good to see anywhere from a hint to a multitude of wrinkles (except for laminated sails where you usually tension the halyard just enough to remove wrinkles). In heavy air, you usually need enough luff tension to remove all of the wrinkles. – Full report