skysail

[ skahy-seyl; Nautical skahy-suh l ]

/ ˈskaɪˌseɪl; Nautical ˈskaɪ səl /

(in a square-rigged vessel) a light square sail next above the royal.

a triangular sail set on a stay between the fore and main trucks of a racing schooner.

Origin of skysail

First recorded in 1820–30; sky + sail

Single iron cross-trees at the head of long topgallant-masts, to support royal and skysail masts.

The Sailor's Word-Book |William Henry Smyth
In these, the topgallant, royal and skysail masts are all one stick.

The Seaman's Friend |Richard Henry Dana
And Skysail Jack and I peered and knew each other under the wreckage.

The Jacket (The Star-Rover) |Jack London
When the royal is taken in, haul the skysail yard down with the royal yard, and furl the sail in with the royal.

The Seaman's Friend |Richard Henry Dana

I shared my Java and grub with him, learned about Skysail Jack, and then learned about him.

The Road |Jack London

skysail

/ (ˈskaɪˌseɪl) /

a square sail set above the royal on a square-rigger

a triangular sail set between the trucks of a racing schooner