sailplans

A sailplan is the arrangement of sails and associated rigging on a sailing vessel, describing which sails are carried, where they are mounted, and how they are controlled. It includes the number of masts, the types and sizes of sails, and the equipment used to hoist, trim, and reef them. The sailplan defines how a boat carries its sail area and how that area is managed in different wind conditions.

Key components of a sailplan are the masts and spars, the mainsail, jibs and genoas, staysails, and any other sails such as spinnakers or gennakers. Rigging includes the standing rigging that supports the masts and the running rigging used to raise, lower, and adjust the sails. Control systems such as furling devices and reef lines are also part of the sailplan.

Common sailplan types by arrangement include: sloop (one mast with mainsail and a single headsail), cutter (one mast with mainsail and two or more headsails), ketch and yawl (two masts with a mizzen mast located aft), and schooner (two or more masts with the aft mast typically taller). Rig terminology also distinguishes fractional rig versus masthead rig, and between Bermuda/marconi rigs (modern fore-and-aft sails) and auxiliary configurations such as gaff rigs or square rigs on traditional vessels.

The choice of sailplan affects performance, balance, and handling. It is influenced by the vessel’s intended use, hull form, anticipated wind and sea conditions, and the crew’s size and skill. Sailplans can be designed by builders or adapted by owners, with features like roller furling or adjustable seinerments to suit operation and maintenance needs.