HEADS UP ON YOUR J/22 HEADSTAY || Quantum Sails
Quantum J/22 class expert Travis Odenbach provides some insightful nuggets regarding rig tune and headstay positioning. Get in touch with Travis or your local Quantum Sails representative if you have any questions or would like to discuss your sailing further. You can also check out the tuning guide and other J/22 resources on our website.
Because each J/22 is just a little different, the headstay length is one of the most important factors to dial in — but, it also can take some time to optimize. When using Quantum sails on a J/22, the headstay can range anywhere from 4’ 11.75” all the way to 5’1”. You can read more about rig tune and marking and measuring the headstay on page 3 of the Quantum J/22 tuning guide. The standard starting point is to use the former for any J/22 below the 1500-series, and 5 feet or longer for boats over a 1500-series hull. But, the true trick here is to go sailing and figure out the best setup for your rig and sails.
So, where to start? I always begin with the headstay at 4’11.75”, and head out, ideally in a steady 8-10 knots. Turn upwind with the boat as flat as possible, let go of the tiller, and see which way the boat turns on its own. If it tracks straight for a few seconds then turns up, the headstay is probably correct! If the boat tracks for a few seconds then turns down, I would lengthen the headstay.
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