Traveler tracks are the deck-mounted rails that let a car slide athwartships so you can control the boom's angle and mainsail twist, while genoa (jib lead) tracks position the headsail sheet fore and aft. Choosing the right system comes down to matching track length and profile size to your boat's beam and working loads, then pairing it with a compatible car.
Traveler and genoa track systems at a glance
| System | Typical length | Best for | Key trait |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32 mm profile (e.g. Harken CRX) | 9.8 ft (3.0 m) | Boats under ~35 ft | Low profile, lighter loads |
| 42 mm profile (Harken CRX / Selden High-Beam) | 13.1 ft (4.0 m) | 35–45 ft mid-size | Higher loads, larger cars |
| Full-length racing track (Antal 4Race) | 19.7 ft (6.0 m) | Yachts over 45 ft & racing | Max adjustment range |
| Ball-bearing traveler car | Sized to track | All sizes, shorthanded | Low friction under load |
What are travelers, tracks, and genoa cars?
A traveler is a track-and-car assembly mounted across the cockpit or coachroof that moves the mainsheet's lower attachment point side to side. Sliding the car to windward or leeward changes the boom angle without altering sheet tension, giving you independent control of twist and angle of attack. Genoa (or jib) cars run on fore-and-aft tracks along the side deck and set the sheeting position for the headsail. Together they form the backbone of sail control for both racing and precision cruising.
How do I choose the right track length and profile?
Track length correlates with your boat's beam and the mainsheet's working angle. Boats under 35 feet are well served by 9.8 ft (3.0 m) tracks such as the 32 mm Harken CRX; mid-size vessels from 35 to 45 feet generally need the 13.1 ft (4.0 m) length in a 42 mm profile like the Selden System 42 High-Beam; and yachts over 45 feet use the full 19.7 ft (6.0 m) systems to move the car far enough outboard for proper twist control. Profile size matters too — 32 mm tracks keep a low, unobtrusive deck line for lighter displacement boats, while 42 mm profiles spread higher loads across the deck and accept larger cars.
Which car and control system should I run?
Ball-bearing traveler cars, such as Ronstan's Series travelers, cut friction dramatically compared with plain-sliding systems, so the car eases across the track even when heavily loaded — a real advantage when sailing shorthanded or in heavy air. Match the car to your track profile: mixing manufacturers usually means poor fit or the need for adapter hardware, so keep the track, car, and control blocks within one compatible system. Add a control-block kit sized to your track (27 mm or 32 mm, for example) to give the traveler enough purchase for precise adjustment.
How are tracks mounted?
Longer tracks need intermediate mounting points to prevent deflection under load, while shorter tracks can bolt directly to reinforced areas like coachroofs or bridge decks. Antal's adjustable-fastener systems let you fine-tune track alignment on slightly curved deck surfaces and can be retrofitted to existing Antal tracks. Always confirm your deck is reinforced for the loads the traveler will see, and verify car-to-track compatibility before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a traveler track and a genoa track?
A traveler track runs athwartships and moves the mainsheet car side to side to control boom angle and mainsail twist. A genoa (jib lead) track runs fore-and-aft along the side deck and sets the headsail sheeting position.
How do I determine the correct track length?
Base it on your boat's beam and desired sheeting angles: roughly 9.8 ft for boats under 35 ft, 13.1 ft for 35–45 ft, and 19.7 ft for larger yachts. Racing programs often choose maximum length for the widest adjustment range.
Should I choose a 32 mm or 42 mm track profile?
Use 32 mm profiles on lighter-displacement boats and smaller mainsails where a low deck line matters; step up to 42 mm when loads are higher and you need larger cars and more robust control blocks.
Are tracks from different brands compatible with each other's cars?
Generally no. Track profiles are brand-specific, so a Harken CRX track needs Harken-compatible cars, and mixing brands typically requires adapter hardware. Keep the track, car, and fittings within one system.
What is the advantage of a ball-bearing traveler car?
Ball-bearing cars greatly reduce friction, so they slide easily even under load. That means less effort to adjust the traveler and finer sail-shape control, which is especially valuable when sailing shorthanded or in heavy air.
Shop all Travelers, Tracks & Genoa Cars →