Foot (Sail)

The lower edge of a sail between its tack and clew.

A mainsail foot may be secured along a boom, retained only at tack and clew as a loose-footed sail, or arranged in another rig-specific way. The foot of a headsail usually spans above the deck rather than being attached to it.

Outhaul and tack controls influence foot tension and the lower sail shape, but their effect depends on sail construction and other controls. On a square sail, the foot is likewise its lower edge; the upper edge is attached to the yard.

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