Sailboat mast

woodenclassicsquare rig

Square rig masts are the most complex in terms of assembly. Most often in twos or threes, these spars are not only multiplied in number but also in composition: assemblies of several floors, supporting each of the yards. The main role of these masts is to support the sails and transmit the wind thrust to the boat. In traditional square rigs, the mast passes through the stanchion, a hole through the deck, and rests on the keel or a stanchion if attached to the deck. They are built to resist the forces exerted by sails inflated by the wind. The shrouds allow a better distribution of the forces exerted on the mast, by converting the bending exerted by the wind into compression in the axis of the mast. The design and construction of these masts therefore require particular expertise; every component, every part is carefully adjusted to ensure the stability and performance of the vessel in varied conditions.