Sailboat mast

woodenclassicbermuda rig

The mast of a Bermudian rig often called a marconi mast, whether main, foremast or otherwise, is an essential structure that supports the sails and transmits wind forces to the rest of the hull. On a Bermudian rig, the mast is said to be pible, that is to say composed of a single section, which considerably increases the stress exerted on the spar which is then equipped with one or more stages of spreaders. The shrouds and backstays allow a better distribution of the forces exerted on the mast, by converting the bending exerted by the wind into compression perpendicular to the axis of the mast via the spreaders. The backstays inflict compression on the spreaders from either side 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.