STUD SAIL Meaning and
Definition
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A stud sail, also known as a studding sail, is a type of supplementary sail used in sailing vessels to augment the driving force of the ship, particularly in favorable winds or during downwind sailing. It is a separate, smaller sail that is set outside or below the main sails, typically utilizing the lower part of the ship's mast or the bowsprit.
The stud sail is specially designed to catch additional wind power, expanding the sail area and harnessing the wind energy more effectively. It is typically elongated in shape, often triangular or quadrangular, with additional booms or yards to hold it in position. The sail is rigged to extend beyond the outer edge of the main sails, known as the leech, to maximize the airflow and drive the ship faster.
The stud sail is typically deployed under certain conditions, such as when the wind is blowing from abaft or from the side of the ship. This sail is particularly useful during downwind sailing, where the wind is coming from behind the vessel. By setting a stud sail, ships can take full advantage of these favorable wind angles, increasing their speed and maneuverability.
Overall, the stud sail serves as a beneficial addition to the sail plan of a ship, allowing sailors to harness the wind more efficiently, thereby enhancing the vessel's performance and speed.
Etymology of STUD SAIL
The term "stud sail" is derived from the Middle English word "studde", which referred to a vertical timber or post used to brace or support a structure. In the context of sailing, the term "stud" initially referred to an extra sail, typically smaller in size, which was set above or outside the main sail in order to increase the total sail area and thus enhance the ship's speed. Over time, the term "stud" became associated specifically with the extra sail itself, and "stud sail" came to be used as a singular phrase to describe this additional sail.
