What term is the rope sewn into the foot and luff of some mainsails and the luff of some sails by which the sails are attached to the boat?

• A. Bight
• B. Boom vang
• C. Beating
• D. Bolt rope

Answer: (D)

The edge reinforcement and attachment method used on sails is boltrope. This rope is sewn into the foot and luff of sails, and sometimes into the leech, to form a strong, smooth edge that can be slipped into a groove or track on the mast or boom. By fitting into that groove, the sail stays securely attached to the boat while allowing it to be raised, reefed, or tensioned as the rig works. This edge rope is what gives the sail durability along its edges and enables a snug, repeated fit when hoisted. The other terms don’t describe an edge rope: a bight is a loop, a boom vang is a control line for the boom, and beating is a sailing maneuver.