examples of sails

Sails: sections of durable fabric that are sewn together and mounted on a mast; they create a surface that causes a boat to move when the wind blows against it.

gaff sail

Trapezoidal sail that is rigged entirely aft of the mast; its top edge is supported by a diagonal yard called a gaff.

spritsail

Trapezoidal sail that is rigged entirely aft of the mast and is supported by a long, diagonal yard, called a sprit; it articulates at the bottom of the mast.

lug sail

Trapezoidal sail that hangs from a yard; it is attached to the mast one-third of the way from its end.

Bermuda sail

Triangular sail that is also called a Marconi sail; its longest side is attached directly to a tall mast and its base is attached to a pole called a boom.

lateen sail

Triangular sail supported by a long tilted yard called a lateen yard; it is attached to the mast in its middle.

square sail

Trapezoidal sail that hangs from a yard; it is attached to the mast in its middle.