Bermudian Mainsail:

This is the most widely used traditional type of mainsail. It is triangular, with one edge attached to the mast (luff), another edge attached to the boom (leech), and the foot of the sail attached to the boom. The head of the sail is hoisted to the top of the mast. Bermudian mainsails are versatile and suitable for a wide range of wind conditions and points of sail. They can be reefed to adjust to stronger winds or fully deployed for maximum power in light winds. Bermudian mainsails are often used on cruising and racing sailboats of various sizes.

Masthead Mainsail:

The masthead mainsail is similar in shape to the Bermudian mainsail but differs in its attachment point to the mast. The head of the masthead mainsail extends to the top of the mast and is hoisted to a halyard sheave. Masthead mainsails are often used on larger cruising sailboats and some racing yachts. They have a higher aspect ratio, which can provide enhanced performance in light winds. However, they may require additional rigging and hardware to accommodate the higher hoist point.

Fractional Rig Mainsail:

The fractional rig mainsail is characterized by its attachment point to the mast, which is located below the masthead. This results in a shorter hoist compared to masthead mainsails, with the head of the sail typically reaching a fraction of the mast height. Fractional rig mainsails are commonly used on performance-oriented sailboats, including racing yachts and sport cruisers. Their lower aspect ratio and increased mast bend flexibility can improve sail control and responsiveness, especially in varying wind conditions. They are often used with backstay tensioners to optimize sail shape and performance.

In-mast Furling Mainsail:

The in-mast furling mainsail is designed to be furled (rolled up) inside the mast instead of being lowered and stowed on the boom. This type of mainsail typically has vertical battens or a furling drum incorporated into the mast for ease of deployment and stowage. In-mast furling mainsails are popular on cruising sailboats because they are convenient and easy to use. They allow for quick and effortless reefing and depowering of the sail, making them well-suited for short-handed sailing and cruising in varying wind conditions. However, in-mast furling mainsails may sacrifice some performance compared to traditional mainsails with battens.