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Reply to: nacra jib block on a 5.2

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[quote=P.M.][quote]he barberhauler moves the clew (bottom/aft) of the jib outward and forward (to the beam) to create more of a pocket (think parachute) with your jib. this is used exclusively downwind on a beam /broad reach when your sails are pushing you along downwind (apposed to upwind when they are a wing shape, creating lift to move you)[/quote]
Andrew,
I wish that it was someone else that posted this so it does not seem like I'm picking on you, cause I'm not.
The sails are not being pushed downwind.  It is always lift (low pressure on the leeward side of the sail) that drives the boat forward.  Beachcats, due to their high speeds downwind, move the apparent wind forward a great deal.  The barberhauler (on boats with overlapping jibs) is an effective tool to help prevent the jib from stalling on the leach and also choking the main. Thus, putting the jib in a more efficient trim and also providing additional power on the main, by creating a larger slot, provide more lift for the main sail.  The barberhaulers intent is not to move the clew forward, but to move the clew outbound. The sheeting tension will be the effective tool to reach the desired shape (flat vs. full) for the jib.

Notice that your shroud telltales will always be flowing aft when sailing downwind (apparent wind due to speed). The most exciting point of sail is to find that point of magic when the jib, main, traveler and barberhauler, and especially heading all comes together and the boat just takes off.  The real magic is to maintain this burst of speed and keep it in the groove.  I find this point of magic more exciting that spinnaker sailing down wind.  It is truly a rush.[/quote]

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