Glossary · Rig
Mast
Also called: Mât, espar, mast height, hauteur de mât
The vertical spar that carries the sails.
The mast of a racing boat is a carbon tube held by the shrouds and the forestay. Its height sets how much sail the boat can carry, so its power. Some classes impose a one-design mast, the same for everyone, to limit costs and risk.
A dismasting (the mast breaking) usually ends the race.
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No source yet · updated 30 Sept 2026