Abstract: A dropped sail is gathered along a boom extending generally horizontally from a mast upon which the sail can be raised during sailing, the mast being supported by a lateral stays. On each side of the boom, a first line, when tensioned, extends from the free end of the boom to a point on a respective lateral stay above the boom. A second line, when slackened, extends from a point adjacent the proximal end of the boom to a self-determining point on the first line. Lacing line means are provided for forming a web-like gathering structure between the boom and the first line means when tensioned. Tensioning of the second line when the first line is slackened draws the first line toward the boom for collapsing the gathering structure.