SAILING GUIDE / KNOW YOUR BOAT

Boat anatomy.

Click the boat. Learn the names, understand what each part does and find the right control for better trim.

Choose a rig

The forestay reaches the masthead. This example carries a mainsail and overlapping furling genoa; a masthead rig can also carry a jib.

Side view based on HR 312 Mk I

Hull, keel and rudder are simplified from originals showing the keel. Sails and rig details are teaching examples. View original with keel ↗

Select a number or click the part itself. Leader lines point to each detail.

Click a part, show the markers or choose from the list.

Find a part

Rig & sails

The illustrations are based on the HR 312 Mk I, J/109, Rustler 42, HR 42E and Nonsuch 30. Hull shapes use originals showing the keel. Fittings and line routes are schematic; follow your boat’s manual.

What are the parts of a sail called?

Luff: The forward edge, along the mast or forestay.
Leech: The free aft edge.
Foot: The bottom edge.
Head: The top corner, raised by the halyard.
Tack: The lower forward corner, attached at the mast or forestay.
Clew: The lower aft corner, attached to the headsail sheet or mainsail outhaul. On the Nonsuch it is held at the aft end of the wishbone.

Sources & further reading

Trim principles and operation from sailmakers and manufacturers. Principal hull dimensions come from model references; unmeasured rig details are schematic. Use the manual for your boat for load limits and rig settings.

See wind and sails togetherPut the controls into context in the interactive trim guide.

Boat anatomy.

Interactive boat map

Find a part