Jib

A jib is a triangular sail set at the front of a sailboat or sail-powered vessel. Unlike a genoa, a jib does not extend beyond the mast when sheeted in. It helps to control the airflow around the sails and is commonly used for sailing close to the wind. The jib can be adjusted to optimise the boat’s performance in different wind conditions.

Racing boats use different-sized jibs for optimum performance in different wind strengths. These are categorised as J1, J2, J3, etc., with J1 being the largest and each becoming progressively smaller.