The types, kinds, and sizes of sails may seem like vast and complex knowledge, but contrary to appearances, the topic of sails is not that difficult.
A sail is a propeller for a yacht, using the wind to propel it forward. However, the course of the boat is influenced not only by the speed and direction of the wind but also by the size and shape of the sail.
A sail may be associated with a triangular piece of material suspended on a long wooden mast, and indeed, the shape of the sail is usually triangular or somewhat triangular in form.
Classification of Sails
Sails can be divided based on shape, method of attachment, and the most convenient method of division, which is by application. In this case, we distinguish between basic sails, cruising sails, racing sails, and storm sails.
Basic Sails
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Main Sail (Grot): The main and most important driving sail of the yacht, used for all courses and all wind strengths. The main sail does not have a specific size or shape; it is simply the primary, basic, or only sail on the yacht. In the case of two sails, the main sail is the primary sail on the aft mast.
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Jib (Fok): The second most important sail on the boat. It is located at the front, on a line called the forestay. It helps with bearing away, which means turning the bow away from the wind.
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Genoa: Often used as a substitute for the jib, it has a larger surface area. There are several types of Genoas adapted to different weather conditions, from mild to strong winds. It performs very well when sailing on a close reach.
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Mizzen (Bezan): One of the sails on the aft mast. The mizzen is found only on yachts with more than one sail.
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Cutter: A sail belonging to the group of headsails, and it is placed in front of the forward mast.
Cruising and Racing Sails
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Spinnaker: This is a sail not permanently mounted. It is positioned near the bow of the yacht. This sail is often used in regattas and races. It is very eye-catching and has a convex shape.
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Gennaker: This is an asymmetric version of the spinnaker. It is easier to use than a spinnaker.
Storm Sails
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Trisail: Its surface area is smaller than that of a reefed mainsail, and it replaces the main sail during a storm.
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Storm Jib (Fok sztormowy): The storm jib differs from a regular jib in that it is smaller, preventing waves that could flood the deck during a storm from reaching the sail and damaging it.
The names of sails are related to the directions of the wind and the angle at which the sails are set in relation to the yacht. For example, the aft sails are located behind the stern, and the sail set at a right angle to the wind is called "full," which makes it easier and quicker to understand nautical terms.
What are the Parts of a Sail?
Sails are made from strips of fabric (e.g., polyester). The edge of the sail is called the "luff," and the place where two edges meet is the corner of the sail.
In Bermudian rigging (the triangular sail), we distinguish between the tack corner, where the tack line is attached, the head corner, and the clew corner. In the case of a square rig, there are two upper corners and two clew corners.
