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Hanked-on Sail

Attached to a stay by individual hanks that slide or clip around the stay as the sail is raised or lowered.

Headsail hanks may be piston, snap, soft or other designs spaced along the luff. They keep the sail connected to the forestay while allowing it to be changed, reefed by substitution or lowered to the deck.

Hanks must match the stay and be secured in the correct orientation. Wear, sharp edges, seized pistons and an unsecured halyard or tack can damage the sail or cause loss of control.

Interactive sailing diagram

Points of Sail Trainer

90° Beam Reach Port tack
Starboardtack
Porttack
Wind
No-Go Zone
0° 90° 180° 90°
Port tack Beam Reach
Holding course
Sail trim Eased halfway
Performance Fast and balanced
  • No-Go Zone 0° - 45°
  • Close-Hauled 45° - 60°
  • Close Reach 60° - 80°
  • Beam Reach 80° - 100°
  • Broad Reach 100° - 150°
  • Running 150° - 180°

Beam Reach

The wind is coming across the side of the boat. This is usually quick, stable, and easy to feel.