Abstract: Apparatus useful in combination with a sailboat boom for forming a basket-like structure positioned to catch a sail as it is being lowered. More particularly, the sail catching apparatus disclosed comprises two arm pairs pivotally mounted to the boom, the arms of each arm pair being on opposite sides of the boom. The arms on each side of the boom are interconnected by the flexible line segments and pivot outwardly from the boom to a predetermined angle. The end of each arm closest to the outer end of the boom is connected to a securing line which, when tension is applied thereto, causes each arm to pivot outwardly to the predetermined angle defined by a stop, this arm then drawing the other arm out to its associated stop. The securing lines are then tied to cleats provided on the boom. The outwardly extending arms and their associated line segments form a basket for catching a sail as it is lowered.