Parts of a Sail

So since we are starting at the very beginning with the whole idea of sailing, we have to learn the parts of the boat. As far as basic boating terminology goes, that all remains the same (i.e. bow, stern, port, starboard). Its sailing specific things that need to be taught in order to completely learn the sport. Remember, I am learning along with everybody else. What better time than during the off season to learn something that can be used next season?

This graphic shows the basic parts of the sail. Previously, we learned about the two most common types of sails. Now, we need to learn about the parts of the sails. Trust me, later on they will become relevant.

So think of this as a look from the starboard side to the port side. The stern is to the left and the bow is to the right. Since we are beginners, the vertical component is the mast (red) and the horizontal component is the boom (green).

When I learn new things, I like to water them down and take just the basic idea. There can be technical definitions for these, but lets just look at the terms in their most basic form.

• Clew - the bottom most, stern most corner of the sail. 
• Foot - the bottom edge of the sail
• Tack - the corner that is between the end of the bottom of the mast and the beginning of the boom. (closest to all the action)
• Luff - the edge that runs vertically along the mast
• Head - the top corner where the sail attaches to the mast
• Leech - the rear edge of the sail, farthest away from the mast