: a usually triangular topsail with its foot extended upon the gaff — see sail illustration.

What is topsail in a ship?

On a square rigged vessel, a topsail is a typically trapezoidal shaped sail rigged above the course sail and below the topgallant sail where carried ,on any mast (i.e., a fully rigged ship would have a foremast topsail, a mainmast topsail, and a mizzen topsail).

What is a main topsail?

Quick Reference. In fore-and-aft-rigged sailing vessels a topsail is a sail set above the working sails. This can be in the form of a high-setting jib topsail or set above gaff-rigged sails, usually from the topmast, as a main topsail or fore topsail.