bowsprit

The bowsprit is a spar that extends forward from the bow of a sailing vessel. Its primary function is to provide an anchor point for the forestay and to carry or support the forward sails, such as jibs and staysails, thereby increasing the usable sail area.

In traditional ships, the bowsprit is secured to the stemhead and is counterbalanced by a dolphin striker, a curved supporting spar that runs from the bowsprit to the hull. The end of the bowsprit often carries a jibboom, a further extension used to mount larger headsails.

The rigging includes stays and halyards that run from the mast and from the end of the bowsprit to stabilize and control the sails.

On large sailing ships, the bowsprit could be very long and was an essential element of the foretriangle sail plan. In modern yachts, bowsprits may be shorter or retractable to reduce risk in crowded harbors. While less common on contemporary cruiser-rigged vessels, bowsprits and jibbooms remain active features on many traditional or racing boats, enabling large staysails.