How to Rig the Main Sail on a Sailboat

One of the most important tasks for the sailor is raising the main sail. This task can be extremely difficult if strong winds are prevalent. In light air, it is usually no problem at all. The following steps will guide even a beginner through how to raise the main sail and secure it for a day of sailing.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Turn the boat into the wind before beginning to raise the main sail. This will make the process easier and keep an unexpected gust of wind catching the boat, which will cause a dangerous situation for all on the boat.
2. Release the ties on the boom that are holding the mail sail to the boom. By releasing the ties, you will be able to raise the main.
3. Locate the main halyard and disconnect it from the railing. Locate the head of the main sail, which should be on the top of the sail on the boom and at the mast end of the sail. The head is usually a plastic triangular piece that has an eyelet in the top and a rib of rope sewn on the edge closest to the mast.
4. Clip the main halyard to the sail head and make sure that the clip locks in place. As you will haul the head of the sail up the mast with the halyard, you will need to feed the rib of rope into the groove in the mast and guide it in as the halyard raises the sail. Make sure you have fully raised the sail and that it seats in the top of the mast.
5. Haul on the main halyard to ensure that it is tight and then secure the halyard to the cleat at the base of the mast. The final step is to check the edge of the sail attached to the boom. Go to the end of the boom, tighten any slack in the sail and secure the excess rope to a cleat on the boom.
6. Ensure the sheets are not fouled and ready for use to control the main sail. Release the boom and turn the tiller to bring the boat off the wind. The boat will move slowly at first as the sail catches the wind but will rapidly catch enough wind to gain speed. Be prepared for the boat to heel over at first. Once the boat is moving, the rudder can guide the boat into the point of the wind that is the desired course.