To depower the jib, which leads adjustment should you use?

• A. Move jib leads forward
• B. Move jib leads aft
• C. Increase jib halyard tension
• D. Tighten the boom vang

Answer: (B)

The thing being tested is how sail trim modulates power by changing where the sheet pulls the sail. Moving the jib leads aft places the sheet attachment toward the stern, which pulls the lower part of the jib down and back. That flattens the sail and reduces the draft, lessening lift and overall power, which is how you depower the jib in gusty or windy conditions.

If you were to move the leads forward, the sail would take a deeper shape with more draft and more power, which is the opposite of depowering. Shifting the halyard tension mainly affects the luff and overall flatness but isn’t as direct a tool for depowering the jib as adjusting the leads. The vang affects the mainsail’s shape, not the jib.