ASA 101: Sails, Sail Parts and Sail Controls

ASA 101: Sails, Sail Parts and Sail Controls

1. Mainsail The sail hoisted on the aft (back side) of the mast and attached to the boom

2. Jib/Genoa A triangular sail set forward of the mainmast

3. Head The top of a sail

4. Tack The forward lower corner of a sail

5. Clew The aft lower corner of a sail

6. Foot The bottom edge of a sail

7. Luff The forward edge of a sail

8. Leech The after edge of a sail

9. Downhaul or A line used to tension the lutt of a sail by pulling down the boom at the gooseneck.
Cunningham

10. Batten A slat inserted in the leech of a sail to support the sailcloth

11. Batten pocket A pocket sewn into the sail to hold a batten

12. Bolt rope A rope sewn into the edge of a sail, often used to attach it to the mast or boom

13. Hank A metal clip or fabric tab used to attach a sail's lutt to a stay

14. Running Rigging The adjustable rigging used to raise and lower or trim the sails

15. Halyard A rope used to raise or lower a sail

16. Mainsheet The controlling line for the mainsail.

17. Jibsheets A line attached to the clew of a jib used to adjust its angle to the wind

18. A line or wire that supports a boom when it is not being supported by its sail
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