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What is Trapeze in Sailing?

A wire from high on the mast to a harness worn by the sailor, letting them stand fully outboard on the gunwale or wing to counterbalance the sails' heeling force — more leverage than hiking allows.

Example: Both 49er sailors were flat out on the trapeze up the beat.

Related terms

Tack (manoeuvre)Tack (port/starboard)Gybe (jibe)Beat (upwind leg)Run and reachWindward and leewardLaylineMark
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