As mentioned on the previous page, it is inefficient to sail directly downwind with both sails on the same side, because the mainsail will block the wind from the jib.
One way to prevent this problem is to run downwind with the sails on opposite sides of the boat to capture the wind on both sides. This is called sailing wing on wing and is shown in this photo. Here, the main is far out to starboard (the right side) and the jib is far out to port.
Because it is still often difficult to keep both sails full and drawing downwind, especially if the boat is rolling side to side on waves, the jib can be held out to the side with a whisker pole or spinnaker pole. As you can see in this photo, the jib’s outer corner (the clew) is poled to port with a pole mounted to the mast. In a light wind the wight of the jib may still make it droop or flutter, even when poled out. As you can see in this photo, the leading edge of the jib (the luff) is not being blown fully forward in this light air.
Running downwind is generally considered the slowest point of sail.
Remember that the sails are trimmed differently for each point of sail. See also how to trim the jib using telltales.
Here are two apps for Apple devices that can help you learn or teach about points of sail.
