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Understand the sail edges, controls and manoeuvres that appear in sailmaker conversations. These definitions explain vocabulary; they are not instructions for carrying out a manoeuvre.
Sail brands & guides →MarineBrands editorial definitions · Reviewed 5 October 2026 · Examples explain context, not operating procedures.
12 of 12 terms
Also find under: AWA AWS
The wind experienced aboard a moving vessel, combining the ambient wind with the effect of vessel motion.
An instrument showing apparent wind is not displaying the same quantity as true wind.
The corner where the foot and leech meet on a conventional triangular sail.
Provide a photograph of the clew attachment when discussing a replacement sail or fitting.
The lower edge of a sail.
The foot measurement alone does not specify the complete sail shape or attachment arrangement.
Also find under: furler
Rolling or gathering a sail for stowage, or for area reduction where the system permits it.
Not every furling arrangement is suitable for sailing with a partly furled sail.
Also find under: jibing gybe jibe
Changing tack with the stern passing through the wind direction, transferring the sail across.
Also spelled jibing. The term is distinct from tacking and does not describe a safe procedure by itself.
A line used to hoist a sail, flag or similar item.
A halyard specification should identify its job, length and the hardware through which it runs.
The after edge of a conventional fore-and-aft sail.
Tell a sailmaker where along the leech any flutter or damage appears.
The forward edge of a conventional fore-and-aft sail; also a verb describing sail flutter or turning towards the wind.
State whether you mean the sail edge or a handling action when describing a problem.
Also find under: reef
Reducing the sail area set, using the arrangement designed for that sail and rig.
Ask the sailmaker and installer to describe the compatible reefing system rather than assuming all sails use the same method.
Also find under: sail sheet
A line used to control a sail’s angle or trim.
A sheet is a control line, not the sailcloth. Name the sail when ordering one.
Also find under: sail tack
The corner where the luff and foot meet on a conventional triangular sail.
Tack also describes a sailing manoeuvre or which side receives the wind; specify the intended meaning.
Also find under: tack
Changing tack by turning the bow through the direction from which the wind comes.
This term names the manoeuvre; practical training covers its execution for the particular boat.
Original concise explanations for equipment research. Use these specialist resources for the wider technical context and the relevant current documentation for a particular product or activity.
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