The _jib_ has its _luff_, _head_, _foot_, and _after-leach_, the same as the _mainsail_, but, of course, has only _three clews_, being a triangular sail.
And what is defined about these sails will apply to all fore-and-aft sails.
The most important ropes, to which the attention of the reader is called, are the following:--
The _main-sheet_ (l) is a long rope fastened to the main-boom, and controlling the action of the mainsail. According to the size of the boat, this sheet will be single, or rove through a series of blocks, to enable the helmsman to handle the sail. Upon the management of this sheet depends, in a great measure, the safety of all boat-sailing. Its perfect handling and adjustment call for the nicest skill; for its slightest movement changes the whole face of the canvas spread in the mainsail.
The _jib-sheets_ (m) are fastened to the after_-clew_ of the jib at the foot of the sail, and are led aft on both sides of the deck, so as to be within reach of the helmsman, or those sitting in the after-part of the boat. Like the _main-sheet_, they are used to confine and trim down the _jib_, each being used on the side on which it is desired to trim down the sail.
The _outer-jib_ is controlled in the same manner, by two sheets, one being led aft on either side of the deck.
The _mainsail_ is hoisted by means of two sets of ropes, called _throat_ and _peak-halliards_ (n).
These are fastened at the foot of the mast to _cleats_ when the sail is hoisted; the throat-halliards, usually on the port side of the mast, and the peak-halliards, on the starboard side of the mast.
N.B.--The term _starboard_ is applied to any thing appertaining to the right-hand side of a boat, with the observer looking towards the bow. The term _port_ (formerly, and sometimes now, called _larboard_) is applied to any thing appertaining to the left-hand side, and, thus once defined, never changes.
Although the observer may go forward and look aft, the starboard side is still the starboard side, although now on his left hand. Hence sailors talk of the _starboard_ anchor, the _port_ shrouds; "Ease off the _port_ jib-sheet!" "Let go the _starboard_ flying-jib-sheet!" "Put your helm over to _port_!" "Hoist those colors from the _starboard_ side!" "Let the boom go over to _port_!" "Get up that anchor which you will find below in the forecastle, on the _starboard side_!" "Go about on the _port_ tack!" &c.