Headsail
A sail set forward of a vessel’s foremost or principal mast.
Headsails include jibs, genoas, staysails and various reaching or downwind sails, depending on rig and usage. They may be hanked to a stay, set in a foil, flown free or carried on a furler, and a vessel can set more than one at the same time.
A headsail contributes drive and influences balance and steering, but its purpose is not simply to increase speed. Luff tension, sheet lead, twist, overlap and area are adjusted for the sail and conditions, and crew must remain clear of flogging cloth, loaded sheets and the foretriangle during handling.
