Sailboat Cruising Secrets - Pump Up Genoa Power and Speed!

Are you sure that your Genoa blocks are set the right way? Did you know that you can move your sheet blocks forward or aft to pump power and speed into any headsail?

Make faster cruising passages or beat the pants off the competition on race night. Click on the video below for three simple steps to boost any sailboat's performance!

Find the neutral sheet lead position. Hoist the headsail. Sight a line from the block through the clew up to a point about 50% up the luff. Move the block along the track until these points form a straight line (illustration 1). Mark this neutral block position on each side of the boat.

1. Average Sailing Winds
Keep the sheet blocks in the neutral position. This places equal tension on the leech and foot of the sail.

2. Lighter than Average Sailing Winds
Move both blocks forward of the neutral position. This puts more tension on the leech than the foot for a fuller shape. You'll have more power to drive through a chop.

3. Heavier than Average Sailing Winds
Move both blocks back from the neutral position. This puts more tension on the foot and flattens the upper half of the sail. You'll have less weather helm and heel.

Note: If you use roller furling or roller reefing, you will need to reset the sheet lead blocks anytime you partially furl the sail. As the clew rises, move the blocks forward to stop excessive leech flutter.