Clew Meaning in Sailing

The clew represents the lower rear corner of a triangular or four-sided boat sail. This specific point is where the horizontal boom and the vertical mast meet the fabric. A sailor attaches a control line to this corner to adjust the tension of the sail. Moving this corner helps change the curve of the sail to catch more moving wind. It is one of the three primary corners found on every standard modern sailboat sail. One specific example involves a sailor pulling the clew toward the end of the boom. This action flattens the sail and improves the performance of the boat in strong winds. Proper management of this corner is vital for controlling the power and speed of the vessel. The material at the clew is usually reinforced with extra layers of heavy canvas for strength. Understanding the location of the clew helps beginners follow instructions for trimming the sails correctly. Every sailor must know this term to communicate effectively during a complex maneuver at sea.