A triangular or quadrilateral sail that is attached to a gaff (a spar extending from the mast) on a sailing ship.
From 'gaff' (the spar) plus 'sail.' This rigging method became popular on ships in the 17th and 18th centuries for increased maneuverability.
Gaff-rigged ships like schooners could sail closer to the wind than square-riggers, which is why they dominated coastal trading and fishing—the right equipment changed maritime history!
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