Fore-and-aft Topsail (Noun)
Meaning
A triangular fore-and-aft sail with its foot along the gaff and its luff on the topmast.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The schooner's fore-and-aft topsail caught the gentle breeze, propelling the vessel through calm waters.
- To increase speed, the sailors raised the fore-and-aft topsail, taking advantage of the strengthening wind.
- After inspecting the rigging, the captain ordered the crew to set the fore-and-aft topsail, hoping to gain an edge in the regatta.
- In strong winds, the fore-and-aft topsail was reefed to prevent the sail from being torn or the mast from breaking.
- As the yacht rounded the point, the sailors carefully adjusted the fore-and-aft topsail to maximize its efficiency in the changing wind.