Nate, welcome, to sailing, and again, welcome to the j30 community.
It seems you've mastered sailing 101 and are ready for the next semester classes.
I was once told learning to sail is like learning to play bridge. You can learn how to sail/play bridge in a day. But, it takes a life time to prefect it.

Regarding the main; it is the ultimate infinitely variable air foil. There are at least 12 controls that can affect its shape. 6 internal controls and 6 external. Before I list them below - for anyone reading this try to name them all before continuing on. And, if I've forgotten any, please feel free to jump in

Internal controls (those directly connected to the sail):
Halyard, out haul, Cunningham, leech cord, foot cord, battens (thickness and tension)
External controls
Main sheet, Traveler, Vang, Forestay length, back stay, shroud tension

BTY - all 12 are interactive

There are 100's of books and 1000's of articles written on all of these controls, their interaction and ideal shapes for wind, wave and other sailing variables. To attempt to address them all here would require a very lengthy response.

Instead, I suggest and offer this
Find someone familiar with fractional rigs or the J/30 and get them out sailing with you. The previous owner would be a perfect choice. I live about an hour from you in the "down river" area. Not next week but after that I am available almost any Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday (days or evenings). I would be happy to accept an invite to sail with you.

,

Last edited by Russ Atkinson; 08/16/18 08:52 PM.