Sheet and Tack square sail control.

[Y.T.]

I am reading N. Longridge’s The Anatomy of Nelson’s Ships. I am getting confused with description of Sheet and Tack lines function.

My understanding is these lines are to control or better word adjust the bottom corners of a square sail.

I feel what he is saying in the book is opposite to correct. I of course can be totally wrong. Please read the passage regarding this topic. Please look at my sketch. I assumed the wind is from the starboard and starboard side of yard is pointing forward. Note that my assumption is that tack and sheet positions were NOT adjusted when yard was rotated.

Thanks

 

[Roger Pellett]

I agree with Longridge’s statement. His example has the wind coming from the port side. Your drawing shows it coming from the starboard side.

Roger