Sail Characteristics
A square rigged sail is not in fact square, but more nearly trapezoidal, being symmetrical but longer in the foot than the head. Like all sails it is three-dimensional, and its curve or belly means that its foot (lower edge) is not a straight line at all. It is fixed to a spar (the yard) along its head, and its clews (bottom corners) are controlled by sheets that are often run to blocks on the spar immediately below the sail.
Square-rigged ships are still used for training, tourism and ceremonial purposes.
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Famous quotes containing the word sail:
“Light boats sail swift, though greater hulks draw deep.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
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