What Does Loft Mean In Sailing?

Lofting is the process of transferring a Lines Plan to a Full-Sized Plan, which ensures accurate layout and pleasing appearance of a boat. Boat building books typically provide detailed descriptions of the lofting process, but this article focuses on the specifics of sailing terms and phrases. These terms include boat parts, sailing maneuvers, wind direction, and more.

Lotting involves measuring waterlines from a controlled and imovable base line, with waterlines moving up or down when the boat is being lofted upside down. The term Lift refers to the direction of the wind, which can shift as you sail upwind. Design is a core strength of WB Sails, and sail makers in the loft have extensive experience in this area.

Learning sailing terms can be daunting for beginners, but some are logical, such as fore meaning forward or front of the boat, reefing to increase ease-of-use, flatten sail shape, reduce sail area, and re-position the boat’s center of effort to improve safety and stability. A sail loft is a space at the top of a building under the roof used for storing things and usually entered by a ladder.

A loftsman is defined as one who creates patterns for lofting. Sail lofts can be a loft or room where nautical sails are cut out and made, and can be a part of a vessel where sails are stowed when not in use. Sail yards are hulls made of formed iron frames sheathed in traditional wooden planks, with a copper bottom cover to keep marine growth away.

The Sail Loft is prepared to deliver the kind of sailing performance you deserve and respect, and it can make the difference between winning a race or achieving a higher rating in a race.