Jib and genoa

Jib and Genoa

Jib, which is most often found on charter yachts, is a smaller sail, placed in front of the mainsail. Unlike the genoa, the seal ends in front of the mainsail. This is due to the fact that it "collects" the wind on a smaller area, which makes it less efficient. However, its advantage is that it is easier to handle than the genoa.

The genoa differs from the jib in that it reaches beyond the mast. That is why it is called a so-called degree of coverage. It can be for example 105% or 110%. A value above 100 determines how much of the genoa reaches behind the mastline. Its advantages and disadvantages are the opposite of those of the jib. It collects more wind, but can be more cumbersome to handle.

Most often on charter yachts you can find jibs and roll genoa. These sails are attached to the forestay (once it was a line, nowadays more often an aluminium profile), which rotates, rolling the sail in a way similar to how a blind works. Rolling the sail allows it to be quickly rolled up and down, as well as reefed (reduced area) in case of strong wind.