Dismasting

Dismasting, also called demasting, occurs to a sailing ship when one or more of the masts responsible for hoisting the sails that propel the vessel breaks. Dismasting usually occurs as the result of high winds during a storm acting upon masts, sails, rigging, and spars.

Over-compression of the mast due to the rigger being over-tightened, as well as g-forces caused by wave action and the boat swinging back and forth, can also result in a dismasting. Dismasting does not necessarily impair the vessel's ability to stay afloat, but rather its ability to move under sail power. Frequently, the hull of the vessel remains intact, upright and seaworthy.

Modern masts are usually made of aluminum, carbon fibre, or other high-strength materials. These masts are subject to huge forces and tensions during high wind, large seas, or racing situations, and it is not uncommon even today for modern masts to be lost.