spritsail

A spritsail is a type of fore-and-aft sail that is carried on a sprit, a spar that runs diagonally from the mast to the sail. The sail itself is four-sided, with the luff attached to the mast and the foot along the lower edge. The sprit supports the head of the sail, extending from the mast to the upper corner of the sail, which helps shape and spread the sail.

Construction and rigging details can vary, but a typical spritsail has its two lower corners designated as the tack and the clew. The sail is controlled by lines that set its angle to the wind and by a line or brace that helps maintain the sprit’s position. The sprit is often attached to the mast near the base or midway, and the sail’s head is held up by the sprit while the luff remains fixed to the mast.

Historical use and varieties: Spritsails were common on many small sailing vessels from the early modern period through the 19th century, including cutters, barges, and other working boats. They offered relatively simple handling and could be reefed or adjusted with modest rigging compared to more complex square or Bermuda rigs. On larger ships, spritsails may appear as auxiliary sails or on specialized small craft that required easy, quick handling.

Modern status: Today, spritsails are primarily seen on traditional or restored sailing craft and in demonstrations of historical rigging. They are valued for their historical significance and straightforward operation, though they have largely been superseded by more modern sail plans in contemporary yachting.