A yawl pole is a spar or pole that is attached to the mast of a sailing yacht, typically on the mizzenmast (the aft-most mast). It is used to support the foot of the mizzen staysail, a triangular sail that is set between the mizzenmast and the mainmast.
The yawl pole extends out horizontally from the mast and is secured in place by rigging lines. It allows the staysail to be set at a greater angle to the wind, improving the yacht's ability to sail upwind or reach in light winds.
In addition to its function as a staysail support, the yawl pole can also be used to support a light boom, which can be used to set a spinnaker or other downwind sails.
