Return to Sail Loft

Sail Terms

A = Head, the top corner of a sail

B = Tack, the lower front corner of a sail

C = Clew, the lower aft corner of a sail

D = Luff, the forward edge of a sail

E = Foot, the bottom edge of a sail

F = Leech, the aft edge of a sail

G = Roach, the added material that sticks out beyond the theoretical "straightline leech," for better performance on all points of sail (shown as shaded area)

H = Battens, fiberglass slats or rods that hold the roach out and help to keep the leech of the sail flat

Courtesy of Doyle Sailmakers