Cringle: A Reinforced Hole or Eyelet in a Sail for Attaching Lines or Fittings
Definition:
A cringle is a reinforced ring or eyelet worked into the edge of a sail, typically lined with rope or metal, used for attaching reefing lines, sheets, or other rigging. Cringles are positioned at key points along a sail — especially at the corners and reefing points — where the greatest tension occurs.
Understanding the Cringle
Cringles serve as strong, wear-resistant attachment points that allow lines or hooks to pass through the sail without tearing the fabric. Each cringle is carefully reinforced with multiple layers of sailcloth and often surrounded by a sewn-in grommet or rope ring to distribute strain evenly.
In mainsails, you’ll find cringles at the tack, clew, and at one or more reefing levels along the luff and leech. When reefing, the luff cringle hooks over the reef horn, while the leech cringle is pulled down with a reefing line to form a smaller, stronger sail shape.
Applications in Sailing
Reefing:
Cringles at the luff and leech of the sail mark the new tack and clew positions when reefing. They take the load of the shortened sail and ensure it sets correctly.
Sail Handling:
Cringles allow for quick attachment of sheets, halyards, or hooks without damaging the sailcloth.
Rigging Adjustments:
Some cringles are used for downhauls, outhauls, or cunninghams to control sail shape and tension.
Examples of Usage
"Hook the luff cringle over the reef horn before you tension the halyard."
"The cringle on the clew tore loose, so the sail had to be repaired before we could hoist it again."
"Each reefing level has a pair of cringles—one on the luff and one on the leech."
Visual Representation
Image Description:
Close-up diagram of a sail’s corner showing a round, reinforced hole (the cringle) surrounded by extra layers of sailcloth and a metal or rope ring. A reefing line is shown passing through the cringle at the leech, and another at the luff hooked onto a reef horn.
I mportance in Sailing
Cringles are small but essential components of any well-made sail. They transfer the load from ropes and fittings evenly into the sail’s structure, preventing tears and extending the sail’s life. Without properly maintained cringles, reefing and trimming lines could easily damage the sail under tension.
A good cringle provides both strength and flexibility — it’s the critical link between soft sailcloth and hard hardware.
Related Terms
Grommet:
A metal eyelet sometimes used in place of, or within, a cringle.
Reefing Line:
The rope that passes through the cringle to reduce sail area.
Reef Horn:
The metal hook on the boom that holds the luff cringle when reefing.
Clew:
The lower aft corner of a sail, usually reinforced with a cringle.
Tack:
The lower forward corner of a sail.
Leech and Luff:
The back and front edges of a sail where cringles are commonly found.
Conclusion
The cringle may seem a simple hole in a sail, but it’s one of the strongest and most vital fittings on board. From hoisting and reefing to trimming and furling, cringles take enormous strain every time you sail. Keeping them strong, smooth, and well-maintained ensures your sail performs reliably and safely in all conditions.
