Rig Dimensions

The following abbreviations are often used to describe various measurements on a sailboat. Precise technical definitions exist for each abbreviation, but the following is a list of simple descriptions.

LOA Length Overall - overall tip-to-tip length of the boat LWL Length Waterline - length of waterline of the boat DWL Design Waterline -theoretical waterline length of boat as opposed to LWL, which is actual waterline length BMX Beam Maximum - width of the boat at the widest point BWL Beam Waterline - widest beam of boat at the waterline I Height of the foretriangle measured from the top of the highest sheave to the sheerline I2 Height of staysail halyard above deck J Base of the foretriangle measured from the front of the mast to the intersection of the forestay and deck J2 Base of staysail triangle P Luff length of the mainsail E Foot length of the mainsail LP Shortest distance from headstay to the clew of the jib