What a Boom Is?

A boom is a horizontal pole connected to the bottom of the mast just below the sail. (The mast is a tall, vertical pole sticking out of the middle of a sailboat that supports the sails). A sailboat is able to use the wind in order to move forward or backwards by adjusting the boom towards the direction of the wind. Generally when you are sailing, the boom is not dangerous; however, when turning (tacking or jibing) the boom can come round at incredible speeds and knock you out or even kill you.