A hank is a metal or plastic clip, hook, or ring used to attach the luff (leading edge) of a headsail (jib or staysail) to the forestay. Hanks allow the sail to slide up and down the stay during hoisting or dousing. They are commonly used on traditional, racing, or offshore cruising boats.

Key Aspects of Hanks:
Types: Primarily piston hanks (spring-loaded plungers), snap hanks, or soft hanks (nylon/tape).

Method: "Hank-on" sails are secured individually along the stay, offering high reliability and superior sail shape control.

Pros: Highly durable, allows for quick sail changes, and enables smaller sail area (reefing) by changing to a smaller jib

Cons: Requires going to the bow to attach/detach, which can be dangerous in rough weather, and takes more time than roller furling systems.

Hanks are often chosen for offshore work because they are easy to repair or replace.