Sailboats are wind-powered water vessels that range in size from small dinghies such as the Optimist dinghy to mega yachts that can circumnavigate the globe. The power they use is the force of wind, and they can be shaped in many ways to optimize performance in different conditions. The shape of a sailboat affects how it is commanded and can also determine its speed.
The mast of a sailboat is the vertical shaft extending out from the deck that supports the sails. It can be made out of wood, but more modern sailboats are constructed of galvanized steel or aluminium for increased strength and speed.
A gaff is a spar used to support a sail and is usually attached to the foremast of a schooner. Gaff rigged sailboats, known as schooners, have two masts-the main or foremast and the mizzen mast at the back of the vessel.
Another type of mast configuration is a cutter rig which uses two headsails-the front or foresail and the smaller jib. These sails overlap to increase a boat’s efficiency when sailing upwind or uphill.
Most monohulls need a keel to reduce sideways slippage or leeway. The keel is located under the body of the boat and can be either full length or fin in shape. Fin keels, which are common on racing boats, are shorter and stick out more like the fin of a fish reducing the amount of weight required to perform the same functions as a full-length keel.
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