Spinnaker Pole

A spar used on sailing vessels to control one clew of a spinnaker sail when sailing downwind.

A spinnaker pole is a key piece of equipment used in sailing, specifically when deploying a spinnaker sail, which is a large, lightweight sail designed for use when sailing with the wind behind the boat. The spinnaker pole is typically attached to the mast at one end and to the corner (clew) of the spinnaker at the other, allowing the sail to be held out away from the boat. This helps the spinnaker catch more wind, improving the boat’s speed and stability when sailing downwind.

The pole is usually made of lightweight materials such as aluminium or carbon fibre to ensure it is strong yet easy to handle. It can be adjusted in length and angle to optimise the sail’s shape and performance, depending on wind conditions. The pole is connected to the mast using a fitting called a “mast ring” or “mast eye,” and its position is controlled by lines known as “guys” and “sheets.”

In addition to its primary function with the spinnaker, the pole can sometimes be used with other sails, such as a headsail, to help keep the sail open and prevent it from collapsing in light winds. Proper handling of the spinnaker pole is essential for efficient downwind sailing, and it requires coordination between the crew to adjust the pole’s position as the wind shifts or as the boat changes course.