In hoisting the topsail the lacing is passed through an eyelet hole in the luff of the sail and through a hoop, and so on. Hoops facilitate the hoisting and lowering of the sail, and admit of its being lowered and hoisted without a man going aloft. The rail fitted on the stanchions as a finish to the bulwarks. Formerly a square topsail was carried as well, but spinnakers have superseded squaresails. A cruising yacht usually carries one yard topsail and one jib-headed topsail.
Schooners carry as well a main topmast staysail.
The upper parts of the framing of a vessel. To leave in a hurry and sail off the wind. The rope or hawser used in towing. The course or wake of a ship. Carved boards fitted on the bow and stem of schooners.