Sail incorporating a spar within its lower edge

A sail for sailing downwind comprises a centre section 1 whose lower edge is attached to a lower spar 3, and two wing sections 6 and 7 which extend outward from each side of the centre section to increase the width of the sail significantly beyond that of the centre section. The sail may have an upper spar 2, and a peaked upper part 25 joined to the centre and wing sections. The sail may be supported by a halyard 19 and may be attached to the bow by a strop 20. The wing sections may be attached to port and starboard sheets 21 and 22 to control the angle of the sail to the wind, the whole sail assembly being approximately symmetrical about a vertical centre line, on which lie the halyard and strop attachment points. The sail offers advantages in ease of deployment and trimming, and is self-gibing.