Gaff

A spar that supports the head of a four-sided fore-and-aft sail.

The gaff is attached near its forward end to the mast and extends aft and usually upward. Its jaws or other mast fitting guide it, while a throat halyard raises the forward end and a peak halyard controls the outer end and sail shape.

Gaff rigs include gaff mainsails and other quadrilateral sails. The spar, its fittings and running rigging must be distinguished from a boat hook or fishing gaff, which are different tools sharing the same name.