Spar

For other uses, see Spar (disambiguation).

File:Spar.png

Mast and Boom (Example spars in this simple rigging)

In sailing, a spar is a round pole of wood, metal or lightweight materials such as carbon fiber used on a sailing ship. Spars of all types (e.g. booms and masts) are used in the rigging of sailing vessels to resist compressive and bending forces, and to provide (direct or indirect) support for the sails.

Wooden ships from the age of sail often carried many extra spars of all types for repairs while at sea. The spar deck of a frigate was so named because it was used to carry spare spars.