Rigging Guide
Monohull — Sail Types & Rigging
Common sail types for monohulls with step-by-step rigging instructions and diagrams.
Mainsail (Bermuda Sloop)
The triangular main sail on a single mast. The most common rig on modern monohulls.
Rigging Steps:
- 1Attach the main halyard shackle to the head of the mainsail.
- 2Feed the boltrope or slugs into the mast groove.
- 3Secure the tack at the gooseneck.
- 4Attach the outhaul to the clew and tension along the boom.
- 5Thread the mainsheet through the blocks on the traveller.
- 6Raise the sail, keeping the luff tensioned.
- 7Set the cunningham/downhaul and cleat the halyard.
Jib / Genoa
A headsail attached to the forestay. A genoa overlaps the mast for more sail area in light air.
Rigging Steps:
- 1Attach the tack to the forestay base.
- 2Hank the jib onto the forestay (or feed luff tape into the foil).
- 3Shackle the halyard to the head of the sail.
- 4Lead the jib sheets through the genoa cars (fairleads).
- 5Tie both sheets to the clew with bowline knots.
- 6Hoist the sail and tension the halyard.
- 7Adjust the car position forward for upwind, aft for reaching.
Spinnaker (Symmetrical)
A large parachute-like sail for dead downwind sailing. Requires a spinnaker pole and guy.
Rigging Steps:
- 1Attach the spinnaker halyard to the head.
- 2Connect the pole to the mast and clip the tack guy through the pole end.
- 3Run the sheet through a block on the leeward quarter.
- 4Attach both sheet and guy to the clews.
- 5Pack the sail in the bag with no twists.
- 6Hoist on a broad reach with the pole positioned.
- 7Trim the sheet and adjust the pole height for a stable shape.
Cruising Chute / Asymmetrical
An easier-to-handle asymmetrical sail for reaching in light to moderate winds.
Rigging Steps:
- 1Attach the halyard to the head of the chute.
- 2Secure the tack to the bowsprit or bow fitting.
- 3Run the sheet through a block on the leeward quarter.
- 4Tie the sheet to the clew with a bowline.
- 5Pack the sail ensuring no twists.
- 6Hoist while sailing on a reach.
- 7Trim the sheet and gybe by dipping the sail behind the main.