Knots & Rigging

Sheet

A line used to control the trim of a sail.

A sheet is a line used to control the trim of a sail. The mainsheet controls the mainsail; the jib sheets control the jib. Sheets pull the sail toward the centerline (tight trim, for upwind) or let it out (eased trim, for downwind). 'Sheet in' means pull in; 'ease the sheet' means let out.