Conflicting "rules" for trimming jib?

[OldFrog75]

One of the many things I'm confounded by is how to efficiently trim a #3 genoa in light winds (less than or equal to 10 kts).

Frequently while pinching up before a race we see the upper telltales break first so we move the lead forward to tighten the leech and remove twist even though most everything I've read says to move the lead back in lighter air to increase twist.

The usual result is that although all the telltales are streaming nicely, the jib leech is now cupped which appears to my eye to prevent efficient air flow over the main even though the main leech telltales are streaming as they should.

According to the tales all is well; according to my eyes the slot looks way out of whack.

What am I missing?

[Jman]

A new jib?

Just kidding.

Try adding a streaming telltale to the leach of the jib, just above your spreader if single, or between them if double. If that telltale is not streaming then you are over trimmed for the wind conditions, regardless of what the primary tales say.

Aldo why are you using a 3 in light air?

[OldFrog75]

Originally Posted by Jman

A new jib?

Just kidding.

Aldo why are you using a 3 in light air?

I'm a club sailor and we have to race the boats as they are with whatever equipment/sails are on board.

You kid about a new jib but there are lots of times when I wonder what I would be seeing and experiencing with newer sails. Trying my best to learn about adjusting sail shape but older sails make that a little more challenging I suspect. That could be one reason my eyeballs aren't necessarily confirming what I think I'm reading.

[tamicatana]

You're missing this book:

[caradow]

"new sails make smart sailors"