A moonraker, also known as a moonsail, hope-in-heaven, or hopesail, is a square sail flown immediately above a

skysail A skysail is the uppermost sail in many old square-rigged sail-plans (though sometimes topped by a moonsail). It was also on the royal mast above the royal sail. It was typically used in light winds. Image:Regina Maris moonraker and studding ...

(see sail-plan) on the

royal mast Royal may refer to: People * Royal (name), a list of people with either the surname or given name * A member of a royal family Places United States * Royal, Arkansas, an unincorporated community * Royal, Illinois, a village * Royal, Iowa, a c ...

s of a

square rig Square rig is a generic type of sail and rigging arrangement in which the primary driving sails are carried on horizontal spars which are perpendicular, or square, to the keel of the vessel and to the masts. These spars are called '' yards'' ...

ged

sailing ship A sailing ship is a sea-going vessel that uses sails mounted on masts to harness the power of wind and propel the vessel. There is a variety of sail plans that propel sailing ships, employing square-rigged or fore-and-aft sails. Some ships ...

. None of the four- and five-masted square rigged ships carried a moonsail. The equivalent sail, if triangular, is called a skyscraper. Moonrakers are relatively unusual sails only used on ships built primarily for speed.

References

{{Sail Types Sailing rigs and rigging