What is a leg-of-mutton sail?
Q: What is a leg-of-mutton sail?
A: A leg-of-mutton sail is a simple triangular sail set on a long spar mounted horizontally on the mast, running in a fore-and-aft direction.
Q: What is the advantage of using a leg-of-mutton sail?
A: The leg-of-mutton sail uses a spar mounted high instead of a boom, giving the helmsman more visibility and there is no boom hitting his or her head on.
Q: What are some types of boats that utilize a leg-of-mutton sail?
A: Small boats such as puddle ducks and canoes are known to use a leg-of-mutton sail.
Q: How does the leg-of-mutton sail differ from a spritsail?
A: The leg-of-mutton sail has three corners instead of four, and its spar is mounted horizontally rather than diagonally, which is different from a spritsail.
Q: What is the purpose of using a spar mounted high instead of a boom for a leg-of-mutton sail?
A: Unlike a boom hitting the helmsman's head, using a spar mounted high with a leg-of-mutton sail gives the helmsman more visibility while sailing.
Q: What type of sail is similar to the leg-of-mutton sail?
A: A spritsail is similar to a leg-of-mutton sail in many ways, but it has four corners and its spar is mounted diagonally.
Q: Which sail is preferred among small boats, spritsail, or a leg-of-mutton sail?
A: A leg-of-mutton sail is a favorite type of sail for small boats.
