A topmast staysail is a sharp, triangular sail which is hoisted above the gaff sails.[1] [2] It is hold in place with a halyard, two necklines, two tacks and one or two loaders. It is fixed on one side to a spar or antenna and on the other to the mast. It is hoisted when there is a slightly favorable weather, to increase the heeling of the boat and gain some speed. In some boats the topmast staysail has an irregular trapezoidal form; then the bottom overlaps slightly with the gaff sail. [3]

El Pride of Baltimore amb l'escandalosa (acolorida) hissada
The Pride of Baltimore with the outrageous (colorful) hoisted
Detall d'una escandalosa trapezoïdal
Detail of a topmast staysail trapezoidal

They hoista topmast staysail the bric-a-brac, and some schooners, cutters and quetzals .

References change

  1. Esteban, J.H. (2007). Escritos recobrados (in Portuguese). J. Herrero. p. 230. ISBN 978-84-612-1079-4. Retrieved 2021-10-20.
  2. Pons, J.M. (1856). Curso metódico de arquitectura naval aplicada a la construcción de los buques mercantes (in Spanish). Imprenta de José Tauló. p. 1-PA153. Retrieved 2021-10-20.
  3. Jaime Pérez 2006.

Bibliography change

  • Jaime Pérez, Ricard (2006). Diccionari de l'aparell i del velam en els grans velers. Barcelona: Museu Marítim de Barcelona. ISBN 978-84-934431-1-5.