staysails

A staysail is a triangular sail set on a stay— a cable or rod that supports the sail away from the mast. Unlike headsails that attach to a forestay at the bow, staysails are mounted on stays that run between masts or from a mast to a bowsprit or deck fittings. They are common on cutters, schooners, and ketches, and are also used on some single-mast rigs to add sail area without overloading the rig.

By providing additional fore-and-aft sail area forward of the main sail, staysails improve upwind performance and balance, especially in heavy weather or when the main sail is reduced. They are typically used in conjunction with other foresails such as a jib or genoa, and can be raised for light-wind passages or used as a storm sail.

Types and configurations vary. A larger working staysail is often set on a stay forward of the mainmast or between masts, while a storm staysail is a smaller, sturdier version intended for heavy seas. Some rigs include an inner staysail on a stay between masts to expand sail area without adding correspondingly large loads on the forestays.

Staysails have a long history in both traditional sailing craft and modern cruising yachts. They remain a practical option for boats designed to sail efficiently across a wide wind range, particularly those with two or more masts.