North Sails Ireland: Why Headstay Sag is FAST Upwind in Light Airs?

15th March 2019

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This is the RCYC Under 25 sailing Team testing out some new 3Di 1720 Nordac sails back in Feb. This picture shows very nice light airs trim albeit with a slightly over-tight rig for the current conditions. This picture shows the full 3Di structure and the smooth flying shapes of the molded sails in all their glory. Despite the tight rig the entry on the Jib is still quite OK but just a touch on the shallow side. A softer rig with more sag would allow a little more depth and power into the Jib making it easier for the helm to find an easy groove to steer. To read more info on how to make headstay sag your friend see below...

Following on from our last piece last week on the J24 Class, the subject of headstay sag has come up on several occasions writes Nigel Young. Headstay sag plays a large part in all sailboats and especially here in Ireland on boats like the J-24, 1720, SB20, Dragon, J-80, J-70 and many more.......

This was also a question that popped up several times during our recent Sail Trim Tour of the country. How can it possibly be better to sail with a large sag in the headstay in light airs? It makes no sense at all at first glance! However, it does work...

1720 headsail tell tales You can see the sag but in this picture of a 1720 headsail even though the wind had just died. In a perfect world, the headstay would be softer with much greater sag to deepen up the sail shape. Having said that all telltales are flying ok.

To find out why follow the link here and the secrets will be revealed by our North Sails Experts.

"Sailboats with headstay sag often point higher and maintain boatspeed better in light-air conditions"

For more articles like this please go direct to the North Sails Website or sign up to our Newsletter here and the articles will be delivered straight to your inbox. Nothing nicer than reading all the top sailing tips and trick from the comfort of your own home!

Published in North Sails Ireland

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NORTH SAILS EXPERTS

Nigel Young

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[email protected]

Shane Hughes

One Design Expert, Sales Person
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Maurice O’Connell

One Design Expert, Sales Person
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Published in North Sails Ireland

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North Sails Ireland

About The Author

Nigel Young

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Loft Manager and One Design Expert, Nigel Young started sailmaking in 1981 in Cowes and opened North Sails Ireland in 2004. He races regularly with Irish clients and has competed in Melges 24s since their introduction into Europe in 1994 and has competed in 18 of 20 World Championships, with his best result of a third overall. Nigel also races Dragons Internationally, RS200s and Yachting World Dayboats.

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