The Parts of a Sabot Sail

A sabot is a small sailboat comprising a dinghy-type boat and a fixed, curved sail. The size and simplicity of sabots makes them popular sailboats to teach children how to sail. Sabots are used for racing as well as sailing. The parts of a sabot's sail allow it to be used with efficiency in all wind conditions.

  1. Battens

    • Battens are added to the curved edge of the sabot sail, forming a kind of frame, to help the sail hold its shape and catch wind more efficiently in both high and low wind situations. The batten is typically a curved piece of fiberglass that is sewn into the leech, a pocket along the edge of the sail.

    Bolt Rope

    • The bolt rope runs along the front of the sail, the long, vertical, straight edge of the sail. This rope fits into the channel in the mast. When the sail is rigged, the bolt rope keeps the material tightly next to the mast when the sail is raised or lowered.

    Reefing Straps

    • Reefing straps are small loops of webbing that are sewn onto the sail, parallel to the boom mast, which is the mast running along the bottom of the sail. The straps are placed near the center of the sail. Lines passed through the straps allow the sailor to change the shape of the sail. When the reefing straps are tightened, the sail cannot fill and becomes a more resistant surface to the wind, increasing the speed of the sailboat.

    Window

    • Modern sabot sails that are made of polyester film often have a plastic window placed in the sail to allow the pilot to see more easily. This window is similar to those found in the sails used on sailboards.