Jibboom traveller

One of the great advantages of a trimaran is that it is more than just an efficient sailing concept; it is, in many ways, a true sailing machine. To fully exploit that potential as a non-professional, short-handed crew or solo sailor, the systems on board must work flawlessly and remain simple to operate. For that reason, I wanted Fram to be equipped with a self-tacking jib from the outset. Frequent tacking in confined waters then becomes effortless.

Ian Farrier offers such a solution, but in his design it is linked to the use of a centreboard. A daggerboard, by contrast, protrudes above the deck in front of the mast—exactly where the traveller track of a self-tacking jib would normally be positioned. A centreboard does not extend above deck level and therefore leaves that space unobstructed.

For me, however, the advantages of a centreboard do not outweigh its disadvantages, and I deliberately chose a daggerboard. I solved the apparent conflict by placing the jib traveller track forward of the daggerboard case. To make this workable without compromising the size or trim of the jib, the sail is fitted with a boom—a jib boom. This effectively gives the jib trim characteristics very similar to those of the mainsail.

Another possible solution would have been to widen the area directly in front of the mast step by modifying both the mast step and the head of the daggerboard case. I deliberately chose not to go down that route, particularly because I wanted to experience the practical advantages of sailing with a jib boom.

The downside of a jib boom is that it makes the foredeck a more cluttered and potentially less safe working area. I address this by ensuring that all controls can be handled from the cockpit, eliminating the need to go forward under sail. In addition, the boom is kept under full control in all conditions by the jib sheet, topping lift and the traveller control lines.

Construction of the jib boom traveller was carried out in parallel with that of the mainsheet traveller. The structure is essentially the same, albeit lower and narrower. The Ronstan Series 30 track used here is 2 metres long. Please click here or on the image to open the full photo report. This photo series also includes the preparations for the jib boom itself and the stainless-steel gooseneck fitting on the foredeck.