Maryland School of Sailing · video

What this video covers

The traveler track and car system allows sailors to adjust the mainsail's angle of attack independently of sail twist. On cruising sailboats, wind speed and direction vary from the masthead to the deck due to frictional forces and the boat's own movement through the water.3:25 By using the mainsheet to control leech tension, a sailor sets the sail's twist to match these varying wind angles.4:14 The traveler then moves the boom's position athwartships to set the angle of attack without altering that established twist.4:47 Tell-tales placed at the top, middle, and bottom of the mainsail indicate whether the twist is correct; if the top tell-tales stall, the boom tension requires adjustment.5:53 When sailing downwind beyond the traveler's range, the boom vang maintains downward pressure on the boom to preserve sail shape.6:34 Proper use of the traveler and mainsheet keeps the boom controlled, preventing accidental jibes during long-distance passages.7:15

More from Maryland School of Sailing

Captains Tursi and Mummert Answer Questions Posed By ParticipantsAug 2026Classic Navigation In The Modern WorldAug 2026Ocean Passage Wrap UpAug 2026Transiting the Chesapeake Bay - North and SouthAug 2026

From Maryland School of Sailing — 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.