Advices • 3 min read • SEPTEMBER 19, 2024

Sails and the Mainsail

No matter your sailing experience, you probably know that most yachts and catamarans have two sails—the mainsail and the jib. But what are they, how do they differ, and which one suits you best? Let’s dive in, starting with the mainsail.

The main sail is attached to the mast and provides thrust while helping to control the boat’s direction into the wind. The better the mainsail is trimmed, the sharper you can sail into the wind, meaning you’ll reach the marina sooner and enjoy a local Aperol spritz faster.
There are two basic types of mainsails: furling and full-battened.

Furling Mainsail

This sail is rolled up inside the mast and easily deployed by pulling the sheet along the boom. It’s simple and appeals to sailors who want minimal fuss—just roll it in and out, and you’re good to go. However, there are two key things to know:

1. If you furl the sail too loosely or incorrectly in strong winds, it might jam in the mast. This leaves you with a stuck sail, which is definitely not fun.

2. Aerodynamically, it’s less efficient compared to the full-battened version, as it lacks structure and isn’t stretched along the boom. Racing with this type of sail isn’t ideal. If your trip promises light winds, you're not chasing speed, and you want an easygoing experience, the furling mainsail is your best choice.

Full-Battened Mainsail

This sail is reinforced with horizontal battens for a better shape and performance. But the more important part is how it's raised, reefed, and stored.

1. It’s stored along the boom, usually in a lazy bag, and hoisted up with a halyard. It’s best to have two people for this—one near the mast to handle the slack and the other at the cockpit winch. It’s trickier than a furling sail, and sometimes it gets caught in the lazy jacks.

2. Stowing it, however, is easier—just release the halyard, and the sail drops onto the boom in seconds. Reefing requires more coordination but can also be managed solo with experience.

Now that we’ve covered the two main types, there are a few more details for those who enjoy fine-tuning their sailing performance.

Mainsail Traveler

The traveler allows you to adjust the sail’s position without altering its shape. When you ease the mainsheet, the boom rises first, then moves sideways. With a traveler, you can shift the sail horizontally without affecting the boom’s height, helping you sail more efficiently.

Mainsheet Location

In short: the farther aft the mainsheet, the better the sail control. On performance yachts, the mainsheet is often located in the cockpit, near the helm, giving the trimmer easy access. This setup provides more leverage, less strain on the gear, and allows you to make fine adjustments. However, if you’re not chasing speed, having the mainsheet in the cockpit can feel more like an obstacle than a benefit. It’s all about what fits your sailing style!

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