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Spar (Rigging)

A long structural member used to support, extend or control sails, rigging, signals or equipment aboard a vessel.

Masts, booms, yards, gaffs, bowsprits, spinnaker poles and whisker poles are spars. They may be timber, aluminium, steel or composite and carry compression, bending, torsion and local loads through fittings and rigging.

A spar’s section, support and attachments are designed for a particular load case and should not be used casually for lifting or restraint. Corrosion, cracks, dents, delamination, fastener holes and fitting movement can create stress concentrations requiring inspection.

  • Mast: The vertical spar that supports the sails and rigging.
  • Boom: A horizontal spar attached to the foot (bottom) of a sail, used to extend and control it.
  • Yard: A horizontal spar from which square sails are suspended.
  • Gaff: A spar that extends the top edge of a sail, often used with gaff-rigged sails.
  • Bowsprit: A spar extending forward from the ship’s bow, used to anchor the forestays.

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.