noun
- triangular sails set on stays (supporting ropes or cables) between masts on a sailing vessel
Usage: nautical; plural form
Examples
- The crew hoisted the staysails to catch the favorable wind.
- Staysails help improve a ship’s sailing efficiency between the main masts.
- The yacht’s staysails billowed as it tacked across the harbor.
- Traditional tall ships often carry multiple staysails for better maneuverability.
- The captain ordered the staysails trimmed for the changing wind direction.
- Modern racing boats use lightweight staysails for optimal performance.