Hank (Sail)

A fitting that attaches the luff of a headsail to a stay while allowing the sail to be raised or lowered.

Hanks may be piston, snap, hook or soft types and are spaced along the sail’s luff. They keep the sail close to the stay but slide along it during hoisting and lowering; a hanked sail is distinct from one carried in a foil or permanently rolled around a furling system.

Correct size, orientation and closure are important. Wear, deformation, sharp edges and corrosion can damage the sail or stay, and hanks should be attached or removed in a controlled sequence so that the sail and crew remain secure.