Measuring Your Headsail

When measuring for a new headsail, accuracy matters. A few extra minutes spent checking measurements can help ensure your new sail fits and performs exactly as intended.

Headsail Measurement Guide

Measuring from the Tack

When measuring from the tack fitting, make sure the shackle is standing upright in the same position it will be when the sail is attached and under load.

If the shackle is lying flat during measurement, the result can be slightly inaccurate.

Check Your Sheet Track Position

It's important to measure the full length of your headsail sheet track, including the positions of both the forward and aft ends. This information helps our sail designers determine whether the sheeting angle will work correctly with your new sail.

The clew height and foot length both affect where the sheet lead needs to be. By knowing the track dimensions, we can confirm that your existing hardware will work properly.

Considering Clew Height

Many cruising sailors prefer a higher-cut clew because it improves visibility forward and to leeward. If that's your preference, be sure to note the desired clew height when submitting your measurements. Combined with the sheet track measurements, this allows us to design a sail that provides both good visibility and proper sail shape.

You can attach a second tape measure to your tack and pull it back to the approximate foot length. Then swing the tape on the halyard so the two tapes intersect. This gives you an idea of where your clew will be. If you want it higher you can raise it and provide a preferred leech measurement. Just make sure the tape hoisted with the halyard is not hung up on the shrouds or spreaders.