WHAT IS TWIST IN A MAIN SAIL?

Captain Paul Sullivan

TWIST IN A MAINSAIL – WHAT IT IS & HOW TO CONTROL IT WITH THE VANG ⛵️ • 🔀 Twist is the difference in angle of attack between the bottom and top of the mainsail. In light wind, the top of the sail often opens up (twists off) to spill air, while the bottom stays powered. • 🌬 More twist allows wind to “escape” from the top of the sail, reducing power and heel. Useful in gusty or overpowered conditions. • 🔧 Less twist means a more uniform shape and power across the sail, creating more drive but increasing heel and weather helm. • ⬇️ Pulling on the vang (tightening) reduces twist by pulling the boom down, flattening and closing the leech (especially important downwind). • 🔓 Easing the vang increases twist, letting the boom rise and the leech open—helpful in light air to prevent stalling at the top.