Spill Wind

To reduce a sail’s aerodynamic force by allowing airflow or pressure to escape from the working sail shape.

Wind can be spilled by easing a sheet, twisting the sail, feathering closer to the wind, dropping a traveller or opening the leech through another control. The result can reduce heel, load or acceleration without immediately reducing sail area.

Spilling wind is a short-term trim or steering response, not a substitute for reefing when sustained conditions exceed the sail plan. Sudden easing can make a sail flog or a boom move rapidly, so controls and crew position must remain managed.