Sail Slide

A fitting attached to a sail that runs in a track on a mast, boom or stay.

Sail slides hold the sail’s luff or foot close to its supporting spar while allowing it to be hoisted, lowered or reefed. They may be metal or plastic and are attached by webbing, shackles, screws or another method suited to the sail.

The slide profile must match the track and move without excessive play or binding. Dirt, distortion, corrosion and unsuitable lubricant can impede movement, and a failed slide can overload adjacent fittings or allow part of the sail to pull away.