Goosewing Meaning in Sailing

Goosewing (or wing-and-wing) describes a method of sailing directly downwind where the mainsail is set on one side of the boat and the jib is set on the opposite side. This arrangement allows the boat to capture the maximum amount of wind by spreading the sail area wide like the wings of a goose. Sailors often use a ‘whisker pole’ to hold the jib out so it doesn’t collapse behind the larger mainsail. One clear example involves a boat traveling straight toward a distant island with the wind blowing from directly behind. The boat stays level and moves smoothly, making for a very relaxing point of sail for the passengers. However, the person steering must be very careful to avoid an accidental ‘jibe,’ where the boom swings across the deck. This technique is a popular and efficient way to travel long distances in steady following winds. It requires a balanced hand on the helm to maintain the specific downwind course.