What is a jib

A jib, also known as a jib skirt or jib sail, and actually better known as a yankee, is a type of genoa, a headsail on a sailboat. You can think of it as a geuna with a high-cut clew. 

A jib or yankee is often used in conjunction with a cutter jib, as the cutter jib nicely fills the space of the high clew. 

The yankee or jib sail has a very high efficiency because of its unique ratio

Jib forestay or flying?

How do you feed a jib? You can do this in two ways: either on a forestay or flying. The jib has a dropping effect on the course and makes your ship more luffing.

Difference jib yankee

The terms yankee and jib are used interchangeably. This is because both sails are very similar. So what exactly is the difference? Our expert Johan explains: "The yankee sits on the forestay, a jib officially sits on a bowsprit (or jib boom). In practice, we often call both sails a jib. In the old days, as many as 2 or 3 rows of jibs were placed on a jib boom to carry more square meters of sail."

Advantages of a jib

Why would you want to add a jib to your sailing wardrobe? With a jib, your ship gets better balance and better sailing characteristics. In addition, a jib is a very safe sail: the high clew angle means that an oversailing wave will not get a hold of the sail. The foot is a lot higher than with a genoa. 

Other benefits include: better visibility when sailing, as you can see largely under the sail due to the increased clew angle. The sail is easier to handle and trim, because it's all a little less tight. Why? Because the sheet of the jib is much longer, the trim actions are less decisive for the sailing characteristics of the sail. 

A jib makes a wonderful combination with the cutter jib. On the wind it makes the ship run better than on just a genoa. And of course it looks very nice; the eye wants something too!

Purchase jib or yankee sail

For which boats is a jib or yankee interesting? For sailing boats with a cutterstay that would like to experience the above benefits (better sailing characteristics, more visibility, less chance of water in the sail, easier trimming). 

Of course, every boat is different, and we would be happy to work with you to determine whether a jib sail would be of interest to you. What plays a part in that consideration? The mast position, the position of the genoa rail, the presence of a cutterstay, the desired sailing characteristics and the sailing area. All those variables play into the choice of this sail, and in fact any sail.

Jib without a cutterstay?

A jib without a cutterstay is not necessarily desirable, as you would lose too much sail area. A normal genoa is much more suitable then. We are happy to discuss this with you, and can show you many examples and possibilities for your ship.

Jib or yankee on departure ship?

Sailmakerij De Vries Maritiem provides advice and sails to departing yachtsmen, which we have been doing for years with a lot of pleasure. Because of that we have a lot of knowledge about the wishes and demands on leavers sails.

Better balance and more speed

Sailing with a jib jib, keeps your vessel better balanced and provides more speed. A kluiffok is an excellent first reef in a fractional rig and is easy to use.

Due to the good aspect ratio, classically rigged ships are increasingly being rigged with a jib. This yields results especially upwind.

Frequently Asked Questions