Getting to know the sails
The appropriate sail depends on wind angle and strength, and the crew.
In plain language
The mainsail is the main sail. Jibs and genoas are headsails; a genoa overlaps the mast. A staysail is set on a stay, often an inner one. A spinnaker is an offwind sail; gennaker normally describes an asymmetric cruising sail. A Code Zero covers wind and angles between other sails, depending on its design.
How to interpret it
Storm sails include a storm jib and trysail. They have their own requirements and operating methods.
Why it matters
A simple, well-suited inventory may be more useful than many sails the crew cannot operate.
Limitations
Commercial names do not guarantee area, angle or wind range. Check the sailmaker’s specification.
In practice
On an individual boat, record sail dimensions, age and condition separately from the model’s design sail area.
Sources & reading
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