I just watch the movie 300: rise of the empire, which depict naval battle between Greek and Persian ships. Late in the movie, there a small sequence showing how they release the main sails just prior the attack to get some speed.
What I found quite interesting is that the raised-up sails are anchored to the deck-rack using pins upside down. The sailor then used a mallet to smash down the 4 pins, almost instantly free the lower yard, which came tumbling down to open the main sail. Not sure if the war ship racks were actually designed that way... or just a nice movie sequence.
What I found quite interesting is that the raised-up sails are anchored to the deck-rack using pins upside down. The sailor then used a mallet to smash down the 4 pins, almost instantly free the lower yard, which came tumbling down to open the main sail. Not sure if the war ship racks were actually designed that way... or just a nice movie sequence.