New Hobie 16 jib - what is 2nd grommet?

Just bought new sails...what is the second grommet, about 4" above the tack of the jib?

_________________
2015 H16, with spin,
SOLD 1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947 "In Theory..."
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'

Cunningham. Allows you to adjust luff tension.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cunningham_(sailing)

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Got it.
I've used a cunningham years ago, when we sailed dinghy's, like Albacores and Lasers.
However, in those cases, the sails were 'baggy', and the cunningham helped 'shorten' the luff for optimum sail shape.

Surely the jib halyard provides all the luff tension that one needs?

Does this arise with a looser jib halyard, and more mast rake, which means that the jib may need the operation of the cunningham to hold a 'good' shape.

_________________
2015 H16, with spin,
SOLD 1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947 "In Theory..."
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'

The jib halyard tensions the luff wire and rig tension only. Jib luff tension is adjusted by a line either at the head or foot. That is a small diameter line run many times between the wire eye and jib (grommet head or foot). The opposite end is anchored by a stainless strap or shackle to the luff wire eye. In recent years Hobie moved the luff tension line to the head. That brought the foot lower for better performance, but is a bit harder to adjust on the fly. You would have to rig and then tip the boat on the beach to adjust the luff line with a properly tensioned luff wire. So having a backup point for faster adjustments at the foot was added.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Awesome explanation. TY

_________________
2015 H16, with spin,
SOLD 1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947 "In Theory..."
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'