2. MAIN PARTS OF SAILBOAT
There are 4 main sections of a
sailboat
Hull
Mast
Sails
Rigging
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7. SAIL PART DEFINITIONS
Sail sides:
Leech - Leech is the name for the back side of the sail, running from the top to the bottom.
Luff - Luff is the name for the front side of the sail, running from the top to the bottom.
Foot - Foot is the name for the lower side of the sail, where it meets the boom.
Sail corners:
Clew -The clew is the lower aft (back) corner of the mainsail, where the leech is connected to
the foot.The clew is attached to the boom.
Tack -The tack is the lower front corner of the mainsail
Head -The head is the top corner of the mainsail
Batten - are horizontal sail reinforcers that flatten and stiffen the sail.
Telltales - are small strings that show you whether your sail trim is correct.You'll find telltales
on both your jib and mainsail.
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9. STANDING RIGGING
The standing rigging is the rigging that is used to support the mast and sail plan.
Here are the different parts that belong to the standing rigging:
Forestay or Headstay - Line or cable that supports the mast and is attached to the
bow of the boat.This is often a steel cable.
Backstay - Line or cable that supports the mast and is attached to the stern of the
boat.This is often a steel cable.
Sidestay or Shroud - Line or cable that supports the mast from the sides of the
boat. Most sailboats use at least two sidestays (one on each side).
Spreader -The sidestays are spaced to steer clear from the mast using spreaders.
10.
11. RUNNING RIGGING
The running rigging is the rigging on a sailboat that's used to operate the sails
Halyards -'Halyard' is simply the nautical name for lines or ropes that are used to raise and
lower the mainsail.The halyard is attached to the top of the mainsail sheet, or the gaffer,
which is a top spar that attaches to the mainsail.You'll find halyards on both the mainsail
and jib.
Sheets - 'Sheet' is simply the nautical term for lines or ropes that are used to set the angle
of the sail.
Mainsheet -The line, or sheet, that is used to set the angle of the mainsail.The mainsheet
is attached to the Mainsheet traveller.
Jib Sheet -The jib mostly comes with two sheets: one on each side of the mast.This
prevents you from having to loosen your sheet, throwing it around the other side of the
mast, and tightening it.The jib sheets are often controlled using winches .
Cleats are small on-deck hooks that can be used to tie down sheets and lines after
trimming them.
The BoomVang is a line that places downward tension on the boom.
