Spars Lecture

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Spar: A pole, mast, or boom that supports sails and rigging. By adjusting the position and tension of the spars, sailors control the shape and angle of the sails, optimizing performance for different wind conditions.
Mast: tall vertical spar that supports the sails and rigging. It also carries navigational lights, antennas and navigational instruments.
Boom: A horizontal spar attached to the foot of a sail. Booms help sails maintain their shape and contribute to easier handling.
Gooseneck: fitting that attaches the boom to the mast. It allows the mast to pivot and move horizontally.
Spinnaker pole: horizontal spar used to support and control the spinnaker. It extends the sail outward from the boat, helps maintain its shape, and allows for optimal sail angle and performance.
Spreader: horizontal spar that extends from the sides of the mast. Their primary function is to spread the shrouds away from the mast, increasing the angle of the shrouds and providing better lateral support to the mast.