The headsail is usually the most important item in a yacht’s sail wardrobe. Not only does it typically provide the lion’s share of the power, it’s generally the first sail that the moving air comes in contact with. It has a cleaner airflow than the mainsail (no mast to cause turbulence at the leading edge) which enables the sailboat to point a bit higher, and it increases the speed of the air passing over the main. The ease of tacking and reefing are key considerations when choosing and sizing a headsail, and so is durability, especially on a cruising yacht where it’s usually left exposed for the whole sailing season. Headsails don’t have an easy life!
