A yard is a horizontal spar (pole) attached to a ship's mast, used to support and spread square-rigged sails. Yards can rotate to catch the wind and are controlled by ropes called braces. The outer tips of these spars are referred to as yardarms.

Key Aspects of Yards in Sailing
Function: Yards are primarily used to set square sails, though they can also be used for signaling or radio antennas.

Structure: Traditionally made of timber, modern yards can be constructed from steel, aluminum, or carbon fiber.

"Squaring" the Yards: This refers to trimming the yards so they are perpendicular (at right angles) to the ship's keel (center line).

Handling: Sailors use braces to turn the yards, allowing the vessel to change its angle relative to the wind.

Movement: When running directly downwind, yards are "squared." When sailing closer to the wind, they are braced "sharp up" or "hard round".

Yardarm: This term refers specifically to the outer portions or tips of the yard.

Yards are a crucial component of traditional sailing vessels, requiring crew members to go aloft and operate in the rigging.