Yourbestsail · video

What this video covers

Sail twist is defined as the angular difference between the chord of a sail’s lower section and its upper section.2:43 Increasing tension on the leech straightens the sail and reduces this twist, while decreasing leech tension increases it.5:53 On a mainsail, the mainsheet serves two distinct functions depending on the point of sail. When sailing upwind, the mainsheet acts primarily as a tool to control leech tension and twist, while the traveler is used to adjust the boom's position relative to the centerline.10:36 Sailors should position the traveler to center the boom without moving it past the centerline, as doing so creates a backward force component that acts as a brake.13:42 On reaching points of sail, the mainsheet angle becomes too horizontal to effectively tension the leech.14:21 In these conditions, the boom vang replaces the mainsheet as the primary control for leech tension and twist, while the mainsheet is used to orient the sail.15:10

More from Yourbestsail

The genoa sheet car (Again!)Sept 2026The function of the centerboardAug 2026Marinas and Yacht Clubs: ProceduresAug 2026The 10 most common mistakes when docking a boatJun 2026

From Yourbestsail — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.