
The bowsprit of a
sailing vessel is a
spar extending forward from the vessel's
prow. The bowsprit is typically held down by a
bobstay that counteracts the forces from the
forestays. The word ''bowsprit'' is thought to originate from the
Middle Low German word ''bōchsprēt'' – ''bōch'' meaning "bow" and ''sprēt'' meaning "pole".
It is sometimes used to hold up the
figurehead.
References
References
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{{Sailing ship elements
Sailboat components