Goose-winged

A sailing configuration where a fore-and-aft rigged vessel’s sails are set on opposite sides of the boat, typically with the mainsail on one side and the headsail (like a jib or genoa) on the other, to maximise downwind efficiency.

In more detail, the term “goose-winged” describes a specific sail arrangement used when a sailing vessel is running directly downwind. In this configuration, the mainsail is usually set on one side of the boat, while the headsail is “winged out” on the opposite side. This allows the sails to catch as much wind as possible from behind, increasing the boat’s speed and efficiency when sailing with the wind directly astern. The term “goose-winged” comes from the visual resemblance of the sails to the outstretched wings of a goose in flight. 

This technique is particularly useful when sailing downwind because it prevents the headsail from being blanketed by the mainsail, which would reduce its effectiveness. To maintain this configuration, sailors often use a “preventer” to hold the boom in place and prevent accidental gybing, and sometimes a whisker pole to hold the headsail out to windward. While effective, goose-winging can be a delicate manoeuvre, requiring careful attention to wind shifts and boat balance, as the sails are more exposed to the risk of an accidental gybe or collapse in light winds.