Clew

The lower aft corner of a fore-and-aft sail, where its foot and leech meet.

The sheet is attached at or led from the clew, allowing the sail’s angle and shape to be controlled. Because it carries substantial load, the corner is reinforced with a cringle, webbing or another purpose-designed fitting.

A triangular mainsail or headsail has one clew. A square sail has two clews, one at each lower corner. The clew’s height and position vary with sail design, but its function as a principal control point remains the same.