Section 2, Sail Plans

Figure 2–1 Square sail on a Yard The earliest sailboat was the square rigged vessel. Did not go well to windward. Describe a square-rigged vessel, and give the advantages and disadvantages. Figure 2–1 Square sail on a Yard

Figure 2–2 Friendship Sloop Gaff-headed mainsail was an improvement. Provided better windward ability. Two halyard system used on the main. The gaff rig, on the wind, is a poor second to the jib-headed sail plan. The low aspect rig is good at driving the boat running or reaching. Figure 2–2 Friendship Sloop

Figure 2–3 Gaff–Headed Mainsail Describe the gaff-headed sail and its two halyard system. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the gaff sail. Figure 2–3 Gaff–Headed Mainsail

Figure 2–4 Jib–Headed Sloop The jib-headed main sail plan is called a Bermudian or Marconi rig. The mainsail is attached to the boom and mast with slides or a bolt rope. It is hoisted with the halyard. It resulted in a high aspect sail plan. Goes well to windward. Most common sail plan in use today. Name some variant rigs. Describe the attachment of the sails in a jibheaded mainsail rig to the spars. List the advantages and disadvantages of the Marconi rig. Figure 2–4 Jib–Headed Sloop

Note the Bow Sprit and bob stay

Vocabulary High Aspect. Having much greater height than width. Jib-headed (sail). A triangular sail. Lateen sail. Triangular sail set on a yard running obliquely from the bow. Mast Hoops. Traditional wood rings used to secure gaff sail to the mast; seized with marline to grommets in the sail. Sail Slides. Metal or plastic fasteners attached to the edge of a sail and that ride on a track on the mast or boom. Sail Slugs. Small metal or plastic cylinders sewn to the edge of a sail which fit into a spar cove to attach the sail to the spar. Squaresail. A quadrilateral sail, set from a yard on square riggers, most efficient when sailing downwind. Track. A metal strip on the after edge of a mast or top of a boom on which sail slides run. Also, a metal strip on deck for cars with blocks for adjusting sheet leads.

End of Section 2 Slides