HOW DID THE SAILS AFFECT THE JOURNEY?
All of the sails or courses aboard GODSPEED, except one are square. There were 5 total. There are three masts: starting aft, the mizzen mast, the main mast and the fore mast. All the way forward, sticking straight out was the bowsprit. The largest sail, being the main course, was located on the mainmast. Its driving power was best when close hauled or with the wind on the beam. Above the main course was the topsail. Because it was higher up, they held the wind when the ship was in a trough. The foremast, carried the fore course. The fore course was set on all points of sail and was vital for maneuvering the ship. The mizzen mast was located behind the main. It carried a triangle shaped sail, called the mizzen course. It was a balancing or steering sail. All the way forward, on the bowsprit was the sprit sail. This was good for maneuvering the ship. Its bottom edge sometimes was in the water.
