Bending the mast typically does what to sail shape?

• A. Flattens the sail
• B. Increases draft
• C. Increases twist
• D. Reduces sail area

Answer: (A)

Bending the mast changes how the sail takes shape by altering the mast’s curve. When you bend the mast (typically by tightening the backstay), the mast bows backward and the mainsail becomes flatter. A flatter sail has less depth in the middle (reduced draft), which depowers the sail and gives you easier handling in stronger wind. In lighter wind, you’d loosen the backstay to allow more bend to increase draft for more power. So the primary effect of bending the mast is to flatten the sail.