Draft is curvature of the leech near the top batten and is controlled by which lines?

Prepare for the US Sailing Level 1 LSR Exam with interactive multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Sail your way towards success with ease!

The top-leech draft is shaped by how you load and bend the sail rather than just pulling on the sail’s foot. The lines that influence that upper portion are the vang, traveler, mainsheet, downhaul, and backstay. The vang pulls the boom downward, flattening the upper part of the sail and reducing top draft. The traveler changes where the mainsheet load sits along the track, altering twist and how the upper portion develops its curvature. The mainsheet trim itself affects the overall shape and, in combination with the other controls, determines the top’s fullness. The downhaul tightens the luff, helping control draft distribution up high by reducing fullness near the mast. The backstay increases mast bend, which also flattens the top of the sail and shifts the top curvature. Together, these lines control how curved the leech is near the top battens.