Gaff-headed Sail (Noun)
Meaning
A quadrilateral fore-and-aft sail suspended from a gaff.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The brig's large quadrilateral mainsail is a classic example of a gaff-headed sail used in traditional sailing vessels.
- Gaff-headed sails were a common sight on many oyster dredging schooners during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- A mainsail set on a long yard or boom and a smaller gaff-headed sail set on the mizzenmast are also commonly found configurations.
- This historical seaport has on display an impressive collection of ships and boats fitted with traditional gaff-headed sails.
- One common variation of a Gaff-headed sail has four masts and square yard upper and the sail hung loose-footed to the lower yard.