Measuring a Genoa Jib

When measuring a boat for a genoa jib , there are several factors you have to take into consideration .The angle the jib comes off the headstay is important, so boats with a wide shroud base require genoa jibs that  are flatter and sheet further aft. Boats with a narrow shroud base can have fuller genoa jibs that can be sheeted further forward.

Clew height is another consideration.  As a rule of thumb I like to have the clew 2 feet above the deck or lifeline height. Sometimes the sheeting point on the boat or the length of the track that the jib car rides on  has to be taken in account when you figure clew height. Reaching headsails have a higher clew so you can get more leech tension when the sail is eased. This is also good for more visibility and a high clew reacher sets well with a double head rig.