black sails for sailboat

Why Do Yachts Have Black Sails? [The Reason Explained]

One of the joys of owning a yacht is that you get to customize that baby like nobody’s business. That’s why no two yachts ever look the same, even if they’re exactly the same make and model. From the upholstery, to the console, the decking, and of course the body paint, you can do pretty much anything you want with a yacht. Oh, except for the sails.

If you’ve been hanging around yachts enough, you might have noticed that all of them have black sails. What gives? Is this some unspoken yacht owner pact? Or is it all just a grand coincidence? Why do yachts have black sails? Here’s what you need to know.

Why Do Yachts Have Black Sails?

Unbeknownst to most people, yacht sails actually have a long history of design changes and modifications. Way back when, sails were made from cotton and came in a variety of colors, but often just a basic beige.

As time went on and manufacturers discovered better ways to make sails more efficient, they tossed out the cotton in favor of Kevlar. This material had Kevlar lines woven right into them which gave the sails better strength against strong winds. This also gave the sails a yellow tinge.

Fast forward a few years, and carbon fiber became the standard for yacht sails. They provided excellent resilience, UV resistance, and just the right flexibility to accommodate changes in wind strength and speed. And while they can come in different colors, most manufacturers offer them in plain black since they’re easier to manufacture that way.

Well, that covers pretty much the basics. But if you really want to get into it, then here are some of the most common reasons why yachts have black sails:

It’s What’s Available

Manufacturers for yacht sails compete closely with one another. So whatever sails one of them offers will be the same sails that others do. And since carbon fiber sails are pretty much the standard these days, that’s what all of them have in stock.

Keep in mind that they don’t really choose to make them black. It’s just that the material is naturally black because of the carbon. These fibers are weaved into the material which is basically layers of polyester that are naturally transparent.

Can they make them in other colors? Probably. But since black has become the standard, it seems they’re not really keen on mixing up the look. What’s more, making an effort to change the colors might mean having to add other materials into the mix, changing the way the sail performs all together.

It’s the Standard

The black color has become strongly associated with performance sails. It’s kind of like the marker of a quality sail. Yacht owners and even regular boat enthusiasts know that a black sail is the standard of top performance because it’s made from premium materials.

That said, changing the color might distance the product from that image. And since manufacturers don’t want to dissociate from being ‘top quality’ brands, there’s really no reason to try to change things up by offering other sail colors that might not be recognized as top tier.

It’s Sleek and Aesthetically Pleasing

Let’s be honest -- a black sail definitely adds a sporty look to a yacht. These high performance sails are intended to make your yacht operate optimally even in the face of strong winds and waves. And to match this competitive performance, they offer a distinct, athletic look.

No doubt, going for a spin in a yacht with black sails can make your vessel look like a true-blue, competition worthy boat. In fact, most boats that use these black carbon fiber sails actually compete in various water sports and racing events, which has associated the black color with supreme performance.

It’s a Mark of Quality

If you’re familiar with black sails for yachts, then you know from just a glance that these dark sails are the mark of quality. Actually anyone who wants to get a quality sail for their yacht will likely go for the black ones first since they’re developed for optimal performance in various wind conditions.

In essence, a black sail is like a seal of quality and durability. So if you want to showcase your yacht and demonstrate your superiority without having to say a word, all you really need is a black sail.

Are There Other Colors for Yacht Sails?

Absolutely -- sails still come in a variety of colors. In fact, you can get them in virtually any color you want. The trade-off though is that you probably won’t find carbon fiber sails in any other color but a dark gray or black. But that’s okay especially if you’re not really interested in using your boat competitively.

Unless you’re into competitive sailing or racing, you probably won’t need a carbon fiber sail. There are lots of other sails on the market that use various other materials, like Dacron sails which are still in use today. These were popular before Kevlar, but still find their place on the market because of their so-so performance and affordable prices.

Keep in mind though that when you buy a sail just to change up the color, you also sacrifice the durability and performance of the sail. As of writing, there is no other type of material that matches the level of performance, resilience, and quality of carbon fiber sails . So naturally, sails that come in other colors (and thus use different materials) will likely produce substandard performance.

Once You Go Black

So, why do yachts have black sails? It’s really a matter of material. Carbon fiber sails are all the rage these days for boat owners who want to get the best performance out of their yacht. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get a sail in a different color. There are lots of sails available on the market -- many of them offered in a variety of hues. Just remember that if they’re not carbon-fiber, they may not be as reliable as performance grade sails.

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Why Do Yachts Have Black Sails? (Revealing the Reasons)

Yachts are known for their sleek designs and luxurious amenities, so it’s no surprise that they often have black sails.

But why is this? What are the advantages of having black sails on a yacht? In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why yachts have black sails, revealing the style factor, sun absorption benefits, cooling effects, glare reduction, low profile advantages, and performance impacts.

We’ll also discuss the different types of black sails available.

Get ready to discover the secrets behind the black sails of yachts!.

Table of Contents

Short Answer

Black sails are popular on yachts for a few reasons.

They help reduce glare from the sun, which can be a hazard when sailing.

Black sails also have a sleek and stylish look, which many yacht owners desire.

Finally, they provide a uniform look when a fleet of yachts is sailing together.

The Style Factor of Black Sails

When it comes to style, black sails are an extremely popular choice for yachts.

Not only do they create a sleek and sophisticated look, but they can also make a yacht stand out from the crowd.

The color black is also associated with luxury, power, and strength, three qualities that are often sought after in a yacht.

Black sails can also help a boat stand out against the horizon, making it easier to spot in crowded waters.

In addition, the dark color of the sails helps to create a strong contrast against the bright blue sea, further highlighting the yachts unique style and grace.

The Sun Absorption Benefits of Black Sails

When it comes to sailing, having the right equipment is essential.

Yachts often feature black sails as a stylish addition that adds a sleek and sophisticated look as well as some practical benefits.

Black sails are popular because they absorb heat from the sun, making it easier to move the boat through the water.

Additionally, the dark color helps to reduce the amount of sun that reaches the deck, keeping the boat and its occupants cool.

The black color also helps to reduce the amount of glare coming off of the sails, making it easier for the crew to navigate and sail the yacht.

The heat absorption benefits of black sails are especially valuable in warmer climates.

The sails act as a kind of sunshade, helping to reduce the amount of sunlight that reaches the deck and the passengers.

This helps to keep the boat and its occupants cool, allowing them to enjoy a comfortable sailing experience.

The dark color also helps to reduce the amount of glare coming off the sails, making it easier for the crew to keep track of their direction and speed.

The combination of these benefits makes black sails an ideal option for sailing yachts .

Not only do they provide a stylish and sophisticated look, but they also help to reduce the amount of sunlight that reaches the deck and the passengers, making for a more comfortable sailing experience.

They also help to reduce the amount of glare coming off the sails, making navigation easier for the crew.

All in all, black sails are a great choice for any yacht, offering style and practicality.

The Cooling of the Boat and Crew

The heat of the sun can make sailing a yacht quite uncomfortable and even dangerous in some cases.

This is why many yacht owners and sailors opt for black sails.

Of all the colors, black absorbs the most heat from the sun and helps keep the boat and its occupants cool.

Additionally, the black color helps to reduce the amount of sun that reaches the deck, further helping to keep the boat and its occupants cool.

Black sails are designed with a special material that is lightweight and breathable, allowing air to pass through while also absorbing the heat from the sun.

This breathability helps to keep the sails from becoming too hot and makes them comfortable to touch.

Additionally, the black color helps to reduce glare that can make it difficult to see and navigate the yacht.

This makes it easier for the crew to navigate and sail the yacht without any distractions or discomfort.

Overall, black sails are an ideal choice for yacht owners looking for a stylish and practical addition to their vessel.

The black color helps to absorb heat from the sun, keeping the boat and its occupants cool and comfortable.

Additionally, the black color helps to reduce the amount of sun that reaches the deck, and the special material used in the sails helps to reduce glare, making it easier for the crew to navigate and sail the yacht.

Reducing Glare from the Sails

Yachts are often equipped with black sails to reduce the amount of glare coming off of them.

The color black absorbs more light than other colors, making it easier for the crew to navigate and sail the yacht without being dazzled by the sun reflecting off of the sails.

The reduced glare also helps to keep the yacht and its occupants cooler, as less of the suns rays will reach the deck.

Additionally, the black color helps to make the yacht look more sophisticated and stylish, giving it a sleek and modern feel.

The black sails on a yacht also offer a few other advantages.

For one, the black sails absorb more heat from the sun, which can help to make the yacht easier to sail.

This is especially helpful in areas with high winds, as the heat from the sails can help to propel the yacht forward.

Additionally, the black sails are less likely to fade over time, meaning that they will keep their color and appearance for longer than sails in other colors.

Finally, black sails are also less likely to attract birds and other wildlife, which can be a nuisance if they land on the sails.

The Advantages of a Low Profile

Yachts featuring black sails can provide a distinct, sophisticated look that can make any vessel stand out from the crowd.

But black sails can also be advantageous for a number of reasons.

One of the most important advantages of having black sails is the reduced profile they provide.

Black sails absorb heat from the sun, which makes the boat easier to move through the water.

Additionally, the black color helps to reduce the amount of sun that reaches the deck, which can help keep the boat and its occupants cool.

Finally, the black sails are designed to reduce the amount of glare that comes off of the sails, making it easier for the crew to navigate and sail the yacht.

The low profile offered by black sails also makes them ideal for sailing in areas with a lot of wind and other weather-related challenges.

This is because the black sails are less likely to catch the wind and create unwanted resistance, allowing the yacht to move more smoothly and efficiently.

Additionally, the low profile of the sails can help to reduce the amount of drag the yacht experiences in the water, further improving the yachts speed and efficiency.

Finally, the low profile offered by black sails also makes them ideal for sailing in areas with a lot of people.

This is because the black sails can help to blend in with the environment, making the yacht less visible to other boats and people on the water.

The lower profile also helps to reduce the amount of glare coming off of the sails, making it easier for the crew to navigate and sail the yacht.

The Impact of Black Sails on Performance

When it comes to sailing, performance is key.

Yachts are built for speed and agility, and the choice of sail color can have a huge impact on their performance.

Black sails absorb more heat from the sun, helping to move the boat through the water faster.

They also reduce the amount of sun that reaches the deck, keeping the boat and its occupants cooler.

Additionally, black sails reduce the amount of glare coming off of the sails, making it easier for the crew to navigate and sail the yacht.

The black color of the sail also has a psychological impact on the crew.

Black sails look sleek and sophisticated, and can give the crew a feeling of confidence and power.

This can help to boost morale and performance, leading to better sailing results.

The black sails also have a practical purpose.

The dark color helps to hide dirt, salt and other stains that can accumulate on the sails over time.

This helps to keep the sails looking better for longer, and can help to maintain the yacht’s value.

By carefully considering the performance, psychological and practical benefits of black sails, it is easy to see why they are such a popular choice for yachts.

Black sails can help to improve the speed and performance of the yacht, boost the morale of the crew, and keep the sails looking better for longer.

The Different Types of Black Sails

When it comes to yachting, black sails are becoming increasingly popular.

Depending on the type of yacht, there are multiple varieties of black sails to choose from.

Some of the most common types are laminated sails, mylar sails, and dacron sails.

Laminated sails are made from multiple layers of fabric that have been bonded together with resin.

These sails are typically lightweight and provide excellent performance on the water.

They are also known for their strength, durability, and resistance to UV light.

Mylar sails are made from a synthetic material that is designed to be lightweight and durable.

These sails provide a sleek look and can withstand higher wind speeds than their laminated counterparts.

Dacron sails are made from a woven material that is extremely strong and durable.

This material is perfect for sailing in high winds, and it also helps to reduce the amount of glare that comes off the sails.

No matter which type of black sail you choose, they all offer the same benefits: they provide a stylish look, reduce the amount of sun that reaches the deck, and also reduce glare.

This makes them the perfect choice for sailing in any conditions.

Final Thoughts

The black sails on yachts offer a unique style factor and provide many practical benefits, such as absorbing heat from the sun, cooling the boat, reducing glare, and providing a low profile.

Understanding the advantages of black sails can help you choose the best type of sail for your yacht, and ultimately improve your performance on the water.

With this knowledge, you’ll be ready to sail with style and confidence!.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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Why Racing Sailing Yachts Opt for Black Sails: An Insider’s Guide

Racing sailing yachts are often seen with black sails, which can be a striking and intimidating sight for onlookers. But why do these boats use black sails, and what advantages do they offer?

One reason for the use of black sails is to reduce glare and improve visibility for the crew. White sails can reflect sunlight and create a glare that makes it difficult to see the course ahead, especially in bright conditions. Black sails absorb light and reduce glare, making it easier for sailors to spot obstacles and make quick decisions.

Another advantage of black sails is their ability to absorb heat and transfer it to the sailcloth, which can help to create more lift and speed. This is particularly useful in light wind conditions, where the extra boost can make a significant difference. Additionally, black sails can be made from materials that are more durable and resistant to UV damage, which can extend their lifespan and reduce maintenance costs.

Advantages of Black Sails

Black sails have become a popular choice for racing sailing yachts due to the following advantages:

Black sails give a sleek and modern look to the yacht, which is visually appealing and can attract sponsors and fans. The sails also look good in photographs and videos, which is important for marketing purposes.

Higher Speeds

Black sails absorb more sunlight than white sails, which makes them warmer and increases their efficiency. This can result in higher speeds, especially in light winds. The difference in speed may not be significant, but it can make a difference in a race where every second counts.

UV Protection

Black sails are less likely to fade or get damaged by UV rays than white sails. This is because black sails absorb more light and heat than white sails, which can cause them to break down faster. Black sails made of carbon fibers are especially resistant to UV damage and can last longer than other materials.

Durability and Strength

Black sails are made of strong and durable materials, such as carbon fibers, which can withstand high winds and rough seas. They are also less likely to get dirty or stained than white sails, which can be a problem in long races.

Black sails are usually lighter than white sails, which can make a difference in racing. The weight savings can be used to add other equipment or to improve the yacht’s performance.

Black sails absorb more heat than white sails, which can be a disadvantage in hot weather. The heat can make the yacht’s cabin uncomfortable and can affect the crew’s performance. However, this can be mitigated by using lighter materials or by adding ventilation.

In conclusion, black sails have several advantages over white sails, including a sleek look, higher speeds, UV protection, durability and strength, and weight savings. However, they may not be suitable for all conditions, especially in hot weather.

Disadvantages of Black Sails

Black sails may look sleek and stylish, but they do come with some disadvantages that sailors should consider before choosing them for their racing yachts.

One of the main disadvantages of black sails is their cost. They are often more expensive than traditional white sails, as they require special materials and manufacturing processes. This can be a significant investment for sailors, and may not be worth it for those on a tight budget.

Maintenance

Black sails also require more maintenance than white sails. They tend to show dirt and stains more easily, which means they need to be cleaned more frequently. Additionally, black sails can be prone to fading over time, which means they may need to be replaced more frequently than white sails.

Delamination

Another potential issue with black sails is delamination. This occurs when the layers of the sail start to separate, which can weaken the sail and make it less effective. Black sails are more prone to delamination than white sails, which means sailors need to be vigilant about checking for signs of damage.

Black sails are also more susceptible to damage from UV rays. The dark color absorbs more sunlight, which can cause the material to break down more quickly. Sailors need to be careful to store their black sails properly and to protect them from the sun when not in use.

Finally, black sails can be less visible than white sails, especially in low light conditions. This can make it more difficult for other boats and ships to see the racing yacht, which could be dangerous. Sailors need to take extra precautions to ensure their boat is visible to other vessels on the water.

Overall, while black sails may look impressive, they do come with some drawbacks that sailors need to consider before choosing them for their racing yachts.

Material Composition of Black Sails

Black sails are a common sight in racing sailing yachts. They are often made of a combination of materials that provide the necessary strength and durability for the high-performance demands of racing. Here are some of the materials that are commonly used in the composition of black sails:

• Carbon fibers : Carbon fibers are known for their strength and lightness. They are often used in the construction of high-performance sails, including black sails.
• Polyester : Polyester is a common material used in sail construction. It is known for its durability and resistance to UV rays.
• Kevlar : Kevlar is a type of aramid fiber that is known for its strength and resistance to abrasion. It is often used in the construction of racing sails, including black sails.
• Dyneema fibers : Dyneema fibers are also known for their strength and lightness. They are often used in the construction of high-performance sails.
• Taffeta : Taffeta is a type of non-woven surface material that is often used in sail construction. It provides a smooth surface that reduces drag and improves performance.

In addition to these materials, black sails often have an adhesive layer that helps to bond the various layers of material together. This adhesive layer is essential for providing the necessary strength and durability for racing sails.

Overall, the material composition of black sails is carefully chosen to provide the necessary strength, durability, and performance for racing sailing yachts.

Types of Black Sails

There are several types of black sails used in racing sailing yachts. Each type is designed to provide specific benefits to the yacht and its crew. In this section, we will discuss some of the most popular types of black sails.

3Di sails are a type of black sail that is known for its durability, lightweight, and high-performance racing capabilities. These sails are made using helix load shearing technology, which allows them to withstand heavy loads and maintain their shape even in strong winds.

There are two main types of 3Di sails: 3Di Ocean and 3Di Endurance. 3Di Ocean sails are designed for offshore racing and cruising, while 3Di Endurance sails are designed for long-distance racing. Both types of sails are made using the same technology and materials, but they are optimized for different sailing conditions.

One of the key benefits of 3Di sails is their ability to maintain their shape over time. Unlike traditional sails, which can stretch and deform over time, 3Di sails are designed to maintain their shape even after extended use. This means that they provide consistent performance throughout their lifespan.

In addition to their performance benefits, 3Di sails are also environmentally friendly. They are made using recyclable materials and are designed to last longer than traditional sails, which reduces the environmental impact of sail production.

Overall, 3Di sails are a popular choice for racing sailing yachts due to their durability, lightweight, and high-performance capabilities. Whether racing offshore or long-distance, these sails are designed to provide consistent performance and withstand the rigors of racing.

Other Sail Colors

While black sails are commonly used in racing sailing yachts, other sail colors can also be used depending on the purpose and preference of the sailor. Here are some of the other sail colors that are used in sailing:

White Sails

White sails are the most common type of sails used in sailing. They are versatile and can be used in different weather conditions. They are also easy to maintain and repair. White sails are often used in cruising and recreational sailing.

Red sails are not commonly used in sailing, but they can be used for racing or for aesthetic purposes. They are not as versatile as white sails and are best used in specific weather conditions.

Tanbark Sails

Tanbark sails are made from a type of dyed canvas that gives them a reddish-brown color. They are often used in traditional and classic sailing yachts for aesthetic purposes. Tanbark sails are not as durable as modern sails and require more maintenance.

Grey sails are not commonly used in sailing, but they can be used for racing or for aesthetic purposes. They are not as versatile as white sails and are best used in specific weather conditions.

Sail colors can also be influenced by fashion and image. Pirate ships, for example, are often depicted with black sails to create a menacing image. In modern sailing, the choice of sail color can also be influenced by fashion and personal preference.

In conclusion, while black sails are commonly used in racing sailing yachts, there are other sail colors that can be used depending on the purpose and preference of the sailor. White sails are the most common type of sails used in sailing, while red sails, tanbark sails, and grey sails are used for specific purposes. The choice of sail color can also be influenced by fashion and image.

Yacht Racing and Black Sails

Yacht racing is a highly competitive sport that requires the best performance from the boats and the sailors. Many factors can affect the performance of a yacht, including the design, materials , and modifications. One of the most visible modifications that yacht racers use is black sails.

Black sails are not a new concept in yacht racing. They have been used for many years by some of the most successful yacht racers in the world. The reason for this is simple: black sails offer better performance than traditional white sails.

Black sails are made from a different material than white sails. They are made from a high-tech material that is lighter, stronger, and more durable than traditional sailcloth. This material is also more resistant to UV rays, which can cause white sails to degrade over time.

In addition to the material, black sails are also designed differently than white sails. They are cut differently, with a flatter shape that allows them to generate more lift. This increased lift translates into better performance, especially in light wind conditions.

Yacht racers also use black sails because they are more visible on the water. This is especially important in crowded racing conditions, where it can be difficult to see other boats. Black sails stand out against the water and make it easier for sailors to avoid collisions.

Finally, black sails are also easier to maintain than white sails. They do not show dirt or stains as easily, and they do not need to be washed as often. This makes them a popular choice for yacht racers who want to spend more time on the water and less time maintaining their sails.

In conclusion, black sails are a popular choice for yacht racers who want to improve their performance on the water. They offer better lift, increased visibility, and easier maintenance than traditional white sails. While they may not be the right choice for every sailor, they are certainly worth considering for those who want to compete at the highest level of yacht racing.

In conclusion, the use of black sails in racing sailing yachts is not just a fashion statement but has a practical purpose. The black color absorbs more heat than any other color, which helps to warm up the air inside the sail, making it more efficient. The use of black sails is most effective in colder climates where the air is denser and less efficient at powering the sail.

Additionally, black sails are more durable and resistant to UV rays, which can cause damage to the sail over time. This makes black sails a practical choice for racing yachts that are exposed to the sun and wind for extended periods.

However, it is important to note that the use of black sails is not always the best choice. In warmer climates, the heat absorbed by the black sail can cause the air inside to expand, reducing the sail’s efficiency. In these conditions, lighter-colored sails may be more effective.

Overall, the use of black sails in racing sailing yachts is a strategic decision based on the specific conditions of the race and the preferences of the sailors. It is just one of many factors that contribute to the overall performance of the boat and should be carefully considered before making a decision.

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About the author

I worked as an officer in the deck department on various types of vessels, including oil and chemical tankers, LPG carriers, and even reefer and TSHD in the early years. Currently employed as Marine Surveyor carrying cargo, draft, bunker, and warranty survey.

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“ I just received my asymmetrical spinnaker, with sock and turtle bag, along with a new 135 Genoa. The entire process was simple and both sales and the design team were in regular contact if there were any questions. The customer portal was easy to use and lets you keep track of where in the process your sails are. Great sails, great service -Graham Edwards (Facebook)

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“ We love the design, quality, construction, and performance of our new 95% furling jib from Precision Sails. The sail works well with our staysail and performs better than expected on all points of sail including poled out dead down wind. The new 95% jib does not get as overpowered as our old 135% Genoa and it is easier to tack with the staysail deployed. The design team made the process of getting accurate dimensions easy, took the time to understand our requirements, and was a pleasure to deal with. I will definitely do business with Precision again! -Charles Clark (Google)

“ Quality throughout the whole process… starting with quotation, options and cloth alternatives. Quick delivery time and the product is very good quality. I am very pleased to carry my Precision sails on my boat. I recommend them 100%! -Marcos D.

“ I just received the 2nd custom-made sail I’ve ordered through Precision Sails. The process for providing measurement information and custom images is very clearly laid out in the forms on their website, in addition to several instructional YouTube videos. The results turned out beautifully, just as I had pictured it for both sails! -Michael Shafer (Google)

“ Just received my new mainsail from Precision Sail Loft and am over the moon about it. Darryl walked me through all my options and gave great advice. The measurement form is foolproof. They keep you updated with the status of your order every step of the way. I can recommend them highly enough. -Henry Gomez (Google)

“ I was introduced to Precision Sails through Sailing Yacht Ruby Rose on You Tube. I decided to try the online experience myself. I provided the measurements and had good conversations with the sales team and with the sail designer. The new Genoa arrived in great condition and was a perfect fit! Couldn’t be happier!! -Brad Hamrlik (Google)

“ The whole team at Precision Sails was fantastic from start to finish. We’ve had a laminate main and genoa made so far and have a spinnaker on the way. They listened carefully to our needs and recommended a great sail cloth. We couldn’t have gotten more bang for our buck! -Noah Regelous (Google)

“ Our new sails performed flawlessly. Several of our crew were seasoned Annapolis sailors, who commented on the quality of the sails and of how they seemed to improve Godspeed’s performance. We were also impressed with your consult-measure-design process. Your sales persons were knowledgeable and helpful. As was the designer, who I spoke with several time. We had obtained quotes at the Annapolis Boat Show from North Sails and Quantum Sails — both were more expensive than your quote for equivalent quality and options.” -Randy Gillies

“ We received our spinnaker and launched it yesterday and I just wanted to let you know how pleased we are with it. The service we received from your company was exceptional and the quality of your product is second to none. We will certainly be return customers in the next few months to replace our main and jib sails and will recommend your company to all our sailing buddies. Once again-thank you.” -Daniel Jackson (Google)

Sailor Resources

The Precision Sails’ team has a wealth of knowledge on all things sailing. Tap into our range of useful resources and browse all topics ranging from the best cloth types to sail maintenance tips. Check out our Ask Precision Sails series where we answer questions provided by sailors like you!

How to Measure for a New Mainsail

If you can read a tape measure you can measure your boat for a new Mainsail.

Purchasing a new Mainsail for your sailboat is one of those investments that every sailor will be faced with eventually. Sails don’t last for ever, even if you treat them like gold. Once you have decided to invest in new sails you may get that feeling of being over whelmed by the choices and the details involved. When deciding on a loft to work with make sure you choose a loft that will offer a good consultation on the cloth and sail feature choices as well as a design consultation if you want one.

Jibs vs. Genoas

Get to know the difference!

Jibs and Genoas are triangular sails which are affixed to a stay in front of the mast. Typically they run from the head of the foremast to the bowsprit. Jibs and genoa’s are used in tandem with a mainsail to stabilize the vessel and are usually measured by their Luff Perpendicular percentage, that is, how much area within the fore-triangle they use.

Taking Headsail Measurements with the Mast Down

Measuring your Headsail with your mast down is still possible.

Step by Step How To Instructions and Videos on how to collect your boats measurements for a your new headsail. Watch Jeremy Roszmann, sail designer, walk us through how to collecte great measurements to build a headsail with.

How To Measure for a New Spinnaker

Learn how to measure your boat and rig for a new spinnaker with our simple form.

Measuring your rig for a new spinnaker is easy. We need to know the location of your halyard, what your maximum hoist is, where the location you sheet to is located and what style. We also need to know if you have a bowsprit, plan to use a spinnaker sock, or other kind of furling system. Last but not least, you get to pick your colors!

Mainsails: Loose Foot VS Fixed Foot

If you currently have a fixed footed mainsail read about the new modern design of a loose footed mainsail.

Sail design has come a long way in the past several decades. A loose footed mainsail is becoming the norm for most sailors. It allows for creating a better shaped sail. This increasings sail performance, efficency, and power. Having a loose-footed sail means having a much more versatile sail as far as trimming is concerned.

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• Seasons & Episodes
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Black Sails - Full Cast & Crew

• 59   Metascore
• Drama, Action & Adventure
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A chronicle of the adventures of a pirate captain, his shipmates and his rivals in the early 18th-century Caribbean. The series is a prequel to Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island", and is set 20 years before the events depicted in that literary classic.

Screenwriter

Executive producer, cinematographer, production company.

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Episode list

Black sails.

S4.E1 ∙ XXIX.

S4.E2 ∙ XXX.

S4.E3 ∙ XXXI.

S4.E4 ∙ XXXII.

S4.E5 ∙ XXXIII.

S4.E6 ∙ XXXIV.

S4.E7 ∙ XXXV.

S4.E8 ∙ XXXVI.

S4.E9 ∙ XXXVII.

S4.E10 ∙ XXXVIII.

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What's Fact and What's Fiction in 'Black Sails'?

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The Big Picture

• Black Sails blends fantasy and real history to create a captivating pirate world based on Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island.
• The show includes characters directly from the novel, serving as a prequel, with a focus on the Pirate Republic of Nassau and its downfall.
• The Urca de Lima mentioned in the show was a real ship that sank off the coast of Florida, but its treasures were not as grand as portrayed.

Fact steeped in fiction. Or maybe fiction with a few drops of fact. Whenever we think of pirates, our imagination blurs the line that separates history and fantasy, painting a picture that is at the same time of Blackbeard and Captain Hook. This is plain to see in our current media landscape, in which stories ranging from Pirates of the Caribbean to Our Flag Means Death create their own mythology around pirates or drink straight from reality, reimagining true historical figures in amazing, fantastic ways. But perhaps no show or movie in the past few decades has managed to capture the collective imagination of piracy better than Starz’s Black Sails .

A beautiful work of adventure storytelling, Black Sails is often described as historical fiction. And, yeah, those descriptions are not wrong: the series, which lasted from 2014 to 2017, does indeed tackle a huge, but not that well-known moment in world history, particularly the history of the colonization of the Americas. However, the show also embraces a lot of fantasy , placing it in such a realistic context that it can be tough to separate real characters from fictional ones. So what is, then, the reality behind Black Sails ? Who was Captain Flint? What was the Pirate Republic of Nassau? Was the Urca de Lima a real boat?

• Black Sails

Follows Captain Flint and his pirates twenty years prior to Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel "Treasure Island."

‘Black Sails’ Takes a Lot of Inspiration from Robert Louis Stevenson’s ‘Treasure Island’

Well, before we dive into the real history behind Black Sails , it’s important to get one thing out of the way: the show created by Robert Levine and Jonathan E. Steinberg is as much a piece of historical fiction as it is Treasure Island fanfiction. The Robert Louis Stevenson novel, serialized between 1881 and 1882, and first compiled into a book in 1883, is responsible for creating a lot of the imagery that we have come to associate with pirates over the past two centuries, from treasure maps to wooden legs. Thus, it is no wonder that it has influenced a series such as Black Sails . However, Stevenson’s impact on the show goes way beyond a few elements of art direction.

Many of the core characters in Black Sails are actually lifted straight from Stevenson’s novel , with the series’ four seasons serving as a sort of prequel to the book. We’re talking about protagonists like Captain Flint ( Toby Stephens ), John Silver ( Luke Arnold ), and Billy Bones ( Tom Hopper ), but also about some minor characters, such as Ben Gunn ( Chris Fisher ). Even Madi ( Zethu Dlomo-Mphahlele ), the maroon leader who ends up falling in love with Silver, is lifted from Stevenson’s work: though not much is known about her, there is a reference to the pirate being married to a woman of color.

'Black Sails' Showrunners on the Series Finale, Why They Didn't Do 'Treasure Island', and More

The showrunners also talk about deciding the fates of the characters, what's next, and more.

In Treasure Island , much like in the final season of Black Sails , Billy Bones and John Silver are sort of rivals , with Bones warning young protagonist Jim Hawkins to beware of a pirate with just one leg. Captain Flint’s former first mate, Bones, is a guest at Jim’s parents’ inn when he dies as a result of a stroke, leaving behind a map that is supposed to lead to Flint’s buried treasure. This treasure is hidden by the captain in Season 4 of Black Sails , and that is just a portion of all the gold and gems that were found at the Urca de Lima.

As for Silver, Jim becomes acquainted with him in Treasure Island while looking for the titular treasure. In the novel, the pirate is a cook aboard the Hispaniola, the ship upon which Jim and his friends set sail. Though he seems to like Jim well enough, Silver is a deceitful, shrewd man who should not be trusted , much like Luke Arnold’s character in the first season of the show.

The Pirate Republic that Appears in ‘Black Sails’ Was Indeed Real

But that’s about it for Stevenson’s influence over Black Sails . When it comes to populating the world that Silver, Flint, and Bones inhabit, Levine and Steinberg took a page not from fiction, but from actual history books. And for those that think an island completely run by pirates, with a Jolly Roger flying atop a heavily armed fort, is too much, well, the BBC’s got news for you : not only was the island of Nassau, in the Bahamas, decorated with a skull and crossbones flag, it was also governed according to something called the Pirates' Code . Not just the island, but the whole archipelago was ruled by The Flying Gang, a group of pirates that include many Black Sails characters, such as Edward Teach, a.k.a. Blackbeard ( Ray Stevenson ), Jack Rackahm, a.k.a. Calico Jack ( Toby Schmitz ), Charles Vane ( Zach McGowan ), and, of course, Captain Benjamin Hornigold ( Patrick Lyster ), who oversaw the whole operation. Other pirates that were into the whole Pirate Republic thing, but did not make it into the show were Stede Bonnet, Olivier Levasseur, Henry Jennings, and Black Sam Bellamy.

The emergence and the subsequent downfall of the Pirate Republic in Nassau is the epitome of an era known as the Golden Age of Piracy , that, once again, according to the BBC , can be split into three periods. From the 1670s to 1680s, French pirates ruled the seas, followed by the British pirates that took over the Indian Ocean in the 1690s. Then, around 1713 to 1715, the republic of pirates began.

Okay, sort of. In reality, Nassau’s de facto pirate ruling began a few years earlier, when colonial governor Nicholas Trott — the real-life counterpart of Richard Guthrie ( Sean Cameron Michael ) — allowed the disgraced captain Henry Avery into the island’s port. What started as an honest mistake, with Trott being deceived by Avery, eventually turned into a knowing partnership. Trott believed that Avery’s fleet would help deter French attacks on the barely populated island. Eventually, however, the captain fled, and Nassau was left to its own devices as it was raided by Franco-Spanish fleets during the War of the Spanish Succession, which lasted from 1701 to 1714, opposing the French and the Spanish to the English. Effectively abandoned by its ruling colonial power, Nassau became a safe haven for sailors who were not exactly working within the boundaries of the law.

During the war, many sailors also turned themselves into privateers, mercenaries authorized to raid and rob enemy ships through government-issued letters of marque. When the conflict began to die down, a lot of these privateers decided to keep on attacking ships, a career that was much more lucrative than regular merchant sailing. Among them were Benjamin Hornigold and Henry Jennings, former rivals whose nascent alliance allowed for the creation of the Pirate Republic. Under Hornigold sailed a man who became by far the most infamous pirate of all, a man whose name might have been anything from Edward Teach to Edward Thack , a man best known as Blackbeard.

How Did the Nassau Pirate Republic End?

Now, to keep his republic afloat, Hornigold was of the opinion that the pirates of Nassau should abstain from raiding British ships in order to avoid drawing the Crown’s attention to the island. Others, however, did not agree with him, and so he was overthrown and replaced by Black Sam Bellamy. With their ships being plundered left and right, the British stopped ignoring the situation in Nassau and decided to send someone to put a stop to it. Played by Luke Roberts in Black Sails , Woodes Rogers arrived in Nassau in 1718, appointed as the region’s new governor. He offered pardons to the pirates of the island, and, as shown in the series’ final season, many of them accepted the offer. Some, like Hornigold, even agreed to become pirate hunters in exchange for a large sum of money.

Among those that did not take the pardon was Captain Charles Vane, who set one of his own ships on fire and sent it sailing towards the vessels that escorted Rogers, allowing him to flee in the Ranger. A while later, though, he was accused of cowardice for avoiding a fight with a French man-o-war and deposed by Jack Rackham. Marooned somewhere in Central America, Vane was picked up by a merchant ship and swiftly recognized by the crew. He was hanged in Port Royal, on March 29, 1720.

Similar fates awaited other pirates, such as Rackham and Blackbeard. The former took a pardon in 1719 but had to flee after starting an affair with Anne Bonny ( Clara Paget ), the wife of one of Rogers’ sailors. Alongside Mary Read ( Cara Roberts ), the two started a new career in piracy and were captured by pirate hunter John Barnet in 1720. Rackham was hanged in Port Royal, but Read and Bonny managed to escape the gallows by claiming they were pregnant. Read died in prison, while Bonny’s fate is unknown . As for Blackbeard, he was killed by Lieutenant Robert Maynard in North Carolina, where he had taken the towns around Pamlico Sound hostage. Decapitated, the dreaded pirate had his head put on the bowsprit of his own ship.

Was the Urca de Lima a Real Ship?

Much like on Black Sails , the republic of pirates of Nassau had a sad ending. But after all the ground we have covered in this article, one question remains in the air: was the Urca de Lima, the fabled ship full of treasures that Captain Flint is hunting in the first season of Black Sails , a real vessel? The answer is, as strange as it may seem, yes. The Santisima Trinidad , nicknamed Urca de Lima due to it being a storeship (or urca, in Spanish) and belonging to Don Miguel de Lima, sank alongside 10 other ships near Fort Pierce, Florida , and some of its ruins can be visited to this day, as 16 of its cannons and four of its anchors were salvaged by the city in 1928.

A massive vessel with a cargo that included packets of chocolate, uncured cowhides, and many other edible products, the Urca kept the surviving crew of the other ships fed as they waited for help to arrive from Havana. The boat was the first one to be salvaged, but also the first one to be burned down, as it was drawing the attention of English pirates, including the likes of Rackham and Vane. In 1932, a new salvaging effort was put together, but the results of the expedition would have largely disappointed Captain Flint: apart from a few private sacks and chests containing pieces of silver, the Urca bore no treasures.

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Watch Black Sails with a subscription on Netflix, or buy it on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV.

Cast & Crew

Robert Levine

Jonathan E. Steinberg

Toby Stephens

Captain Flint

Eleanor Guthrie

Luke Arnold

John Silver

Jessica Parker Kennedy

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BLACK SAILS yacht NOT for charter*

39m  /  127'11 | wally | 2009 / 2010.

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• Sleeps 10 overnight

The multi-award winning 39m/127'11" sail yacht 'Black Sails' (ex. Cannonball) was built by Wally in Italy at their Fano shipyard. Her interior is styled by Italian designer design house Wally and she was completed in 2009. This luxury vessel's exterior design is the work of Javier Soto Acebal and she was last refitted in 2010.

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Black Sails has been designed to comfortably accommodate up to 10 guests in 4 suites comprising one VIP cabin. She is also capable of carrying up to 5 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience.

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Black Sails is built with a composite hull and composite superstructure, with teak decks. Powered by 1 x diesel MAN (D 0836 LE401 EDS) 450hp engines, she comfortably cruises at 12 knots, reaches a maximum speed of 14 knots. Her water tanks store around 2,000 Litres of fresh water. She was built to RINA (Registro Italiano Navale) classification society rules.

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Sail yacht Black Sails is currently not believed to be available for private Charter. To view similar yachts for charter , or contact your Yacht Charter Broker for information about renting a luxury charter yacht.

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• The World Superyacht Awards 2011 Best Refitted Yacht Winner
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The Ending Of Black Sails Finally Explained

Through a swash-buckling four-season run, fans of "Black Sails" have said ahoy to plenty of drama and fights on the open waters. First airing on Starz in 2014, the show follows a group of pirates in New Providence in the early 1700s, led by the charismatic and legendary Captain Flint ( Toby Stephens ). Acting as a prequel to the famed Robert Louis Stevenson novel, "Treasure Island," the show puts its own unique spin on something viewers have seen adapted countless times. Just like the previous seasons, its final ending is abundant in small details and loopbacks to where the story began, successfully bringing the characters' journeys full circle.

Both Season 4 and its finale were showered with positive reviews  when it aired in April 2017, praised for their ability to hold focus on storytelling where other shows seemed to have lost touch. The drama between Flint and Long John Silver (Luke Arnold) reached new heights, with Madi (Zethu Dlomo) a rose stuck between two thorns. While side characters including Anne (Clara Paget) and Jack (Toby Schmitz) could arguably have been explored further, fans made it clear that the show's final outing is something that is definitely worth watching . Head out on the ships for one last time as we take you through exactly what went down in the Season 4 finale of "Black Sails." Spoilers ahead.

Choosing love over war is disappointing

War, huh! What is it good for? Well apparently, the answer is adding more fan satisfaction to the final ending of "Black Sails." Since the show said goodbye for the last time, fans have weighed in on whether the finale's direction was actually the right move after all. According to one particular Reddit thread , the lasting love-fest for "Black Sails" was tainted by an ending that didn't live up to expectations. One fan claims it's because Silver and Flint's storyline ultimately chooses love over war — perhaps engineering a happy ending to preserve the connection that Silver once had with Madi.

At face value, it's easy to see why viewers would want drama over a neatly sewn-up ending. Not only would that make it more likely for potential "Black Sails" spin-offs to return, but it also makes for more exciting viewing — particularly given the history between Flint and Silver. Just as user  blue_mutagen points out, there was never going to be a right answer that the creative team could offer fans. Sure, "retiring" Flint provides the most concise way of bringing the 4 seasons to a close, but do we really want to deal with that?

Flint's end can be viewed in two ways

Like many notable TV adaptations, the story we see onscreen is likely to differ from the original text. In the case of "Black Sails," it's Flint that takes the brunt of the change. Speaking to Collider , show co-creator John Steinberg referred back to Flint's initial path. "When you read the book, you're told that Flint died in a very specific way, and it's a way that doesn't immediately suggest story. He died alone, some indeterminate period of time after the exciting stuff happened, and he died in a very lonely, sad place." In contrast, redesigning Flint's story leads to some immediate confusion.

It could be said that the decision to remove Flint from the audience's radar rather than killing him off outright is purposefully ambiguous. If resurrecting "Treasure Island" really is on the cards, Flint has to stay alive. Silver's version of events leading to Flint's "retirement" suggests there is more tension there than we are led to believe, which is a stark contrast to images of Flint in farmlands of green. The image of the green pear considered the "gift of the Gods" feeds back into Flint's self-comparison to Odysseus in the very first "Black Sails" episode. Whether Flint has been put out to pasture or has reaped the ultimate rewards in the finale feels like it's up to us to decide.

Silver wrestles with his alter ego

The legend of Long John Silver is something we know all too well, and Silver's journey throughout "Black Sails" is leading to bigger things unsaid. From the beginning of the show, Silver is defined as a person who has arrived from nowhere, being pulled toward those who come from an opposite kind of life. Not only does this mean that Flint and Silver naturally see the world in completely different ways, but it also leads to Silver battling the legendary persona that he has built for himself. The ability to make a personal choice that Flint can't is one of the key things that defines Silver bowing out of "Black Sails."

All at once, the Season 4 finale shows Silver taken by his own status and repulsed by it. Flint can tell that Silver's current circumstances won't be enough to fulfill him, meaning the episode results in Silver looking for something he once left behind. It's a decision that would make a season of a "Treasure Island" spinoff feel more meaningful, given the constraints of his reunion with Madi in the Season 4 finale. Thematically, Silver's storyline is a huge champion of what the "Black Sails" series stands for — you can try to run away from who you are, but you'll always return.

Madi and Silver's reunion only goes so far

The Season 4 finale of "Black Sails" leads to something fans have been waiting for — a reunion between Silver and Madi. Initially working alongside each other to form an alliance, fans see the pair progress from allies to lovers over the course of Seasons 3 and 4. In the case of the Season 4 finale, it's a painful realization to Silver that whatever he has with Madi will never be enough to sustain him. It's something Flint tells him straight to his face, resulting in a painful distance between the two that's replicated in the episode's parting shots with a gorgeous horizon behind them.

Speaking to Inverse , co-creator Robert Levine signals that this styling reflects the nature of the pair's relationship. "The way you see them at the end, they're in the same frame but they're yards away from each other. Emotionally, that's as close as they'll ever get again." It's unlikely to be an ending that fans are pleased with, as some viewers recognize Silver's selfish intentions as the show draws to a close. They say a leopard can't change its spots, and it's true in the case of Silver. Their frosty end doesn't necessarily mean that their romantic connection won't be picked up in potential spinoffs, but it is likely to send Silver off on a completely different path instead.

Flint and Silver's endgames were planned from the beginning

Between our two leading men, there's been a lot to explore when it comes to Flint and Silver. The lynchpins of "Black Sails," the show's finale depicts an ending that feels both final and open-ended. The question of whether Silver did in fact shoot the gun hangs in the balance, while Flint's mysterious "retirement" leaves the crew believing he has died on his own in the Savannah. With such a famous text to base the program on, their fates, to an extent, are unsurprising. Yet according to creators Levine and Steinberg, the ending for Flint and Silver has been planned all along.

Speaking to Inverse , Steinberg says: "The Flint and Silver story has been with us a long time. At the beginning there was a more obvious path: They would become enemies and be antagonists in each other's story. We made the choice early on that it would be more impactful and tragic if what you're watching is these two guys who are as close to each other as anyone in the world, and there's just this one point at which they can't connect." The events of the Season 4 finale mean that Goliath has been beaten by David, although neither of them is leaving "Black Sails" in the best shape.

Reunions and defeat make for happy fans

When it comes to ending a show on a high, "Black Sails" seems to have got certain things largely right. Though there has been much debate over Flint's personal fate, many fans have voiced their opinions on why they thought the Season 4 finale was the perfect ending. Reddit user stgeorge78 cites how the finale has maintained its high level of quality and drama, propelling the pirate genre into an entirely new space on TV. The finale's success is largely thanks to its emphasis on relationships, with deep-diving into character journeys remaining at the core of the show itself. Whether it's watching Silver and Madi spare each others' feelings or finding out what happens to Jack and Anne, defeating the bad times is a winning format for everyone.

At the same time, it's unsurprising that some viewers still have questions about what the Season 4 finale has revealed. Any good climax is one that leaves us guessing or drawing our own conclusions — and that's a strategy "Black Sails" relies upon heavily. We always knew that the rebellion was going to end, but whether "Treasure Island" lives to see another day remains a mystery. Who's to say Flint won't show up again after finding his happiness?

Did we see enough of Anne Bonny?

Out of all of the character journeys we see in the Season 4 finale of "Black Sails," Anne Bonny's is arguably the most simplistic. Surviving the episode's final battle, we see her reunited with Jack — becoming the only two pirate captains to sail under the black completely in secret. It's a straightforward path from point A to point B, leaving the action between Flint, Silver, and Madi to take a starring role. Though the decision is understandable, it's left some fans questioning if we saw enough of Anne through the season finale drama.

Given that the show prides itself on prioritizing character storylines and emotions, it's somewhat a surprise that Anne takes a backseat.  Some fans think that this is because the female characters are overall much weaker in "Black Sails," though Anne may get credit for being one of the more well-developed ones. Others claim that "the depth and danger" of her story aren't fully appreciated, arguing that in a world of pirates, even Jack and Anne can't fully trust each other. Leaving the pair to literally sail off into the sunset is possibly the easy way out, neatly sewing up their story to leave time for bigger storylines.

The final episodes stay character-rich

At the same time, it can't be said that "Black Sails" doesn't stay fully focused on its characters. Regardless of where our favorite pirates are in their individual journeys, the narrative never strays from figuring out their end game. While talking to The Hollywood Reporter , Steinberg explains how this naturally manifests with the example of Flint and Silver. "We had to embrace the fact that there would have to be things that were left unsaid and were going to have to exist in subtext and performance and context in order for it to be honest. That felt right. There is, at least to me when I watch it, a significant amount happening between the two of them that is all under the surface. But at the same time, you want it to play at face value."

While the season finale continues to deliver on fleshing out the legacy of Silver, Flint, and more, fans have lavished praise on the show's continued ability to live up to expectations. Reddit user IronMaximus claims "Black Sails" is one of the greatest programs of all time in terms of character development, while Nic727 praises the season finale in particular for doing an awesome job of rounding out the narrative progression. Where so many shows fall at the final hurdle, it's safe to say "Black Sails" proved itself until the very end.

The blueprint for Treasure Island is laid out

For some fans, it might have felt as though four seasons of "Black Sails" wasn't quite enough. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter , Steinberg explains how the team arrived at the decision to call it quits. "It was during season four when we felt like all the endings we hoped we would get to were starting to approach very quickly. We spent a little time at the end of season four thinking about if we were done and it felt like we were." However, it's also been clear from the beginning that the end of "Black Sails" merges with the beginning of "Treasure Island." It's a case of never say never, but wants could well see our favorite pirates return once more in an entirely new spinoff.

According to Den of Geek , a "Treasure Island" series is something that has definitely been discussed. "I don't necessarily know if it would fit the children's story that is "Treasure Island," but maybe we could do our own version of a children's story. The 'Black Sails' version," said executive producer Dan Shotz. Picking up where "Black Sails" left off would be a natural workaround to commissioning a fifth season of the show, with the fact so much time has passed in between only playing to a future spinoff's advantage.

Partnership-turned-friendship-turned-enemies?

When it comes down to it, "Black Sails" is really only about the relationship between two men — Flint and Silver. Across the show's four seasons, fans see them progress from a hesitant partnership into a blossoming friendship, even though there are plenty of obstacles along the way. By the time fans watch the Season 4 finale, their relationship seems to tip into the realm of enemies. Without taking anything else into account, there's an obvious elephant in the room, leaving viewers to wonder whether Silver has fired a gun directly at Flint. While Silver seems to arrive full circle at where he started in Season 1, Flint is within touching distance of happiness with Thomas (Rupert Penry-Jones) – though whether he truly managed to find it is up to interpretation.

Given that "Black Sails" is a show about the highs and lows of pirates on the open seas, it makes sense that Silver and Flint's relationship would gradually turn sour at some point. Not only does this heighten the drama — and certainly makes the show's ending more exciting — but their ever-changing relationship stays true to the nature of their fraught friendship. What comes between two men more than a woman and the chance of promised happiness? 

The thought of Max and Anne stays in our minds

There's only one way a gripping drama about pirates could get any better, and that's to include some meaningful queer representation. When we are introduced to Anne in Season 1 of "Black Sails," she's enamored with Max (Jessica Parker Kennedy) while exploring the connection she has with Jack. With plenty of memorable scenes in their wake, the relationship between Max and Anne has completely changed by the time viewers get to the Season 4 finale. The two have drifted apart and are on their way to turning against each other — but there's still an element of Anne getting both the man and woman that she wants. While she chooses the guy in the episode's final moments, fans can't be blamed for wanting a slightly different romantic ending.

The fact that Max gets her moment to pursue the woman she loves is something that fans have praised for being included in the Season 4 finale. It makes it all the more bittersweet when Max and Anne don't end up together forever, instead favoring the relationship that we knew would come out on top all along. Steinberg spoke about his surprise with its success to The Hollywood Reporter : "I think the Max and Anne relationship was something that became emotionally impactful in a way that we didn't see coming. That was a lesson in if you're not letting stories evolve naturally, then you're missing all the good stuff."

Could we ever see a Black Sails reboot or spinoff?

With the original run of "Black Sails" ending in 2017, one question has remained unanswered: will we ever see a reboot or spinoff? Currently, there are no concrete plans to revive the show, but we know discussions surrounding a potential resurrection have taken place . The most likely variation of this is a narrative segue into "Treasure Island," with the Season 4 finale neatly landing the story exactly where the famous book picks up. Speaking to Inverse , Steinberg explains why it was so important to Flint and Silver's story to align the two. "The end of his story in this show is the hope that he can get away from it. That made "Treasure Island" feel like a meaningful sequel about a massive transformation in that character. It was foretold by Flint, but it wasn't preordained."

That being said, some fans disagree with the direction of a possible spinoff. Reddit member Blackthroat39 says that viewers don't need another iteration of "Treasure Island," but instead would benefit from a prequel of "Nassau." Exploring the golden days that came before "Black Sails" equally adds to the show's plentiful character scope, set 10 years before the beginning of the program. Whatever direction a spinoff could go in, the possibility has never seemed unlikely, particularly given the wealth of side characters the show has yet to fully explore.

Favorite Character

James flint.

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How Accurate Is Black Sails? 10 Biggest Changes From The Treasure Island Story

15 shows to watch if you like black sails, who is the stranger 4 new clues to the sith lord's true identity after the acolyte finale.

• The dynamic cast of Black Sails brings the Golden Age of Piracy to life with cinematic action and complex characters.
• The show is a history lesson with real-life characters, acting as a prequel to Treasure Island and introducing "Long" John Silver.
• Despite rumors of a Treasure Island spinoff, the talented Black Sails cast has moved on to other major projects post-finale.

Black Sails includes a dynamic cast of well-established actors who bring the world of swashbuckling in the Golden Age of Piracy to life. Black Sails is a historical epic detailing the frequently bloody misadventures of a pirate crew. The show also acted as a prequel to Robert Louse Stevenson’s Treasure Island and the origin story of “Long” John Silver. While the series featured lots of cinematic action and adventure, it was the complex characters that drew in audiences.

Starz' epic show also acted as something of a history lesson, with real-life characters and conflicts depicted. Additionally, it ties in fictional characters from Stevenson's book. Together, the Black Sails cast formed a great ensemble, creating vivid and complex characters. Though the Black Sails finale left the door open for other series, the Treasure Island spinoff has only existed in rumors. As such, the cast has moved on to other major projects in the years since the show's ending.

Black Sails is a fictional story, but it includes a lot of real life characters, making it worth doing some fact checking on the hit Starz original.

Toby Stephens As Captain Flint

Date of birth: april 21, 1969.

• Active since: 1992

Actor: British actor Toby Stephens was born in London, England and got his big break playing Orsino in the 1996 Shakespeare film adaptation of Twelfth Night . The actor started out as a professional stage actor, even acting with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Prior to playing Captain Flint in Black Sails, he was best known for playing villain Gustav Graves in Die Another Day. Since Black Sails , Stephens has continued to take on major roles. Recently, he gained attention for playing Poseidon in the cast of Percy Jackson and the Olympians .

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Character: Toby Stephens played Captain Flint in Black Sails . The fictional character Captain Flint is the highly revered and feared captain of The Walrus . Throughout Black Sails , Flint evolves into a fascinating and flawed character with deeper layers than expected.

Luke Arnold As "Long" John Silver

Date of birth: may 31, 1984.

• Active since: 2006

Actor: Luke Arnold was born in Adelaide, South Australia, and got his big break with his first film role as Tommy McAlpine in the 2009 movie Broken Hill . The actor graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts at which point he began acting in Australian TV shows. Since then, he's built up his portfolio by appearing in numerous well-known TV shows including Salvation , The End , and Scrublands .

Character: Luke Arnold played Long John Silver in Black Sails . Long John Silver is an opportunist sailer-turned-pirate with a strong sense of individualism. While he works in Flint's crew, the two end up in conflict with one another.

Hannah New As Eleanor Guthrie

Date of birth: may 13, 1984.

• Active since: 2010

Actor: Hannah New was born in London, England and got her big break playing Rosalinda Fox in The Time in Between . New is an up-and-coming star with only a few big roles to her name. Prior to joining the Black Sails cast, New's best-known role was Princess Aurora’s mother in Maleficent . Since Black Sails finished, she has appeared in many feature-length films; most notably, she played Elizabeth Crookshank in Edge of the World .

Character: English actress Hannah New played Eleanor Guthrie on Black Sails , who owned a tavern on New Providence Island. The character controlled pirate goods coming in and out of Nassau.

If you adored the pirate adventure series Black Sails and are looking for a similar series, then these shows are guaranteed to tickle your fancy!

Toby Schmitz As Jack Rackham

Date of birth: may 4, 1977.

• Active since: 1996

Actor: Toby Schmitz was born in Perth, Western Australia, and got his big break playing Gary in the 2004 drama Right Here Right Now . Though he has many acting credits to his name, few of Schmitz's roles are well-known to audiences. Still, his incredible talent shines through in every character he's played. His biggest role to date, besides Black Sails , is Three Blind Mice .

Character: Australian actor Toby Schmitz played Jack Rackham on Black Sails. Loosely based on the real pirate known as Jack Callico, Jack Rackham is the quartermaster aboard the Ranger and eventually becomes the captain of the Colonial Dawn .

Clare Paget As Anne Bonny

Date of birth: september 12, 1988.

Actor: Clare Paget was born in London, England and got her big break playing Vegh in Fast & Furious 6 . Clare has very few acting credits to her name, but she's shown immense promise. Her biggest role, besides Black Sails , is that of Natalie in the horror movie House Red, which gained her a nomination for Best Actress at the British Independent Film Festival.

Character: English actress Clare Paget played Anne Bonny on Black Sails. Anne Bonny is a cruel and ruthless pirate who works on the Ranger .

Zach McGowan As Charles Vane

Date of birth: may 5, 1980.

• Active since: 2004

Actor: Zach McGowan was born in New York City, New York and got his big break playing Jody Silverman in Shameless . McGowan started acting on stage, then moved to Los Angeles to pursue onscreen acting. Black Sails is McGowan's biggest role to date. Following his exit in season 3, American actor McGowan played recurring roles in season 4 of Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D and season 9 of The Walking Dead.

Character: In Black Sails , Zach McGowan plays Charles Vane. Zach McGowan’s character is a fictionalization of the famous pirate Charles Vane . He is noble but feared, making him vastly different from his real-life counterpart. He also has a strong relationship with Blackbeard throughout Black Sails .

Jessica Parker Kennedy As Max

Date of birth: october 3, 1984.

Actor: Jessica Parker Kennedy was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and got her big break with her first acting role, playing Lucy the Elf in the Christmas movie Santa Baby . Since her main role as Max on Black Sails , Canadian actress Jessica Parker Kennedy has appeared in acclaimed Netflix horror Cam played Nora West-Allen on The Flash .

Character: Throughout Black Sails, Jessica Parker Kennedy plays the fictional character Max. Max is a sex worker in Nassau who is the lover of Eleanor, Annee, and Georgia. She uses her intelligence to gain power.

Tom Hopper As Dickon Tarly

Date of birth: january 28, 1985.

• Active since: 2007

Actor: Tom Hopper was born in Leicestershire, England and got his big break playing Sir Percival in Merlin . Though the actor is early in his career, he's taken on many supporting or leading TV. After finishing his run as Billy Bones in Black Sails , English actor Tom Hopper acted in Game Of Thrones season 7 and played Luther Hargreeves in the cast of Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy .

Character: In Black Sails, Tom Hopper plays Billy Bones, the highly ethical and rule-bound first mate aboard The Walrus . This character is entirely fictional and created by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Ray Stevenson As Blackbeard

Date of birth: may 25, 1964; date of death: may 21, 2023.

• Active from 1994 to 2023

Actor: The late Ray Stevenson was born in Lisburn, North Ireland Northern and got his big break playing Steve Dickson in Band of Gold . He had a prolific career outside of Blackbeard on Black Sails . Prior to his death in 2023, the Northern Irish star acted in some of the biggest franchises, including Star Wars and Marvel. His last role prior to passing away was Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka .

Character: Throughout Black Sails , Ray Stevenson played Edward Teach, aka Blackbeard. Like his real-life counterpart, Stevenson's Blackbeard was a fearsome pirate captain. However, Black Sails fictionalizes his relationship with Charles Vane.

Black Sails

• SR Originals

Tall Ships Are a Slow Travel Adventure—Here’s Where to Find Them in the U.S.

A historic experience yes, and lots of fun..

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Travel with a sense of adventure on tall ships like the Matthew Turner .

Photo by John Skoriak

White sails dot San Francisco Bay all year—thanks to its moderate climate. For those lucky enough to own or have access to a boat, it’s one of the most inviting and scenic urban playgrounds in the nation. I’m not a sailor and don’t know any sailors, but this past spring I went sailing one Saturday afternoon on the Matthew Turner , a tall ship that sails out of Sausalito. In addition to a history lesson, I gained a fresh perspective of the bay, after decades of living and working near it. The primary mission of the Matthew Turner is teaching sailing to young people, but it also offers passage to the general public.

Before I stepped on the ship’s deck, the closest I’d gotten to this form of slow travel was in books about seafaring explorations centuries earlier. And aside from short ferry rides to Angel and Alcatraz islands, my only previous sailing on SF Bay did not augur well. That was on the Oceanic Society’s 60-foot motorboat heading 25 nautical miles west to the Farallon Islands; half of the eight hours aboard were choppy. Although I didn’t get seasick, I also didn’t eat the apple I’d brought along. And several passengers looked as though death could not come soon enough.

In contrast, sailing via Call of the Sea on the larger MT was smooth—and among assorted small sailboats and gigantic cargo ships, it’s the classiest boat on the bay. With wind power, traveling at about five knots per hour, it’s genuine slow travel. That speed lets you take in the scenery, which includes dolphins, seals, birds, and wind surfers among the other vessels. It also lets you appreciate the vast size of the bay: Rocky Alcatraz, green Angel Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge were backdrops, not closeups. The winds determine the route. And the fresh air vanquished the theme from Gilligan’s Island (“a three-hour tour”) that had been stuck in my head for days.

Built in the 21st century, over seven years, the Matthew Turner is named for the designer and builder of the brigantine Galilee, which had an advanced design for its time, in the late 19th century. (The Galilee long held the passage record of 19 days from San Francisco to Tahiti.) The fir and oak 132-foot MT brigantine has 11 sails (including several that are square); the main mast rises 100 feet. Its few modern features include an electric hybrid motor used for leaving the harbor. Otherwise, it’s strictly wind powered. That means no smell and no noise—aside from the crew leader calling out instructions about modifying sails—on an eco-friendly trip.

The brigantine sails on select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the year, ranging from 90 minutes to several hours . When I booked in May, I skipped the Mother’s Day special, figuring it would be crowded (it sold out) and got lucky: The amiable, enthusiastic young crew outnumbered the passengers. I chatted with nearly everyone aboard, including Alan Olson, the force behind the original project to build the ship. Highlights included watching the crew, which included a few volunteers and several women, set the sails. At the end of the too-short, two-hour trip, they scampered up the rigging to the top of the masts to roll up and tie the sails closed. So many ropes and sails: It’s not easy to travel this old-school way.

Among the passengers was a couple who had sailed on the ship before. I didn’t need to ask why.

Oftentimes, tall ships offer sailing classes.

Photos by Pat Tompkins

How to find your own tall ship adventure

Opportunities to participate in a day sail in the USA are more widely available than you might think. That’s partly because “tall ship” includes topsail and two- and three-masted schooners, barques, and other sailboats smaller and less grand than the Matthew Turner . Many tall ships with trips open to the public also operate as hands-on “classrooms” with programs to teach young people how to sail. For example, the Los Angeles Maritime Institute has tall ships for families or groups to charter; these private charters help support the educational programs.

You’ll find more possibilities through Tall Ships America, an organization based in Newport, Rhode Island, that promotes learning to sail and learning from sailing.

Where to sail on a tall ship in the United States

• Book now: Seattle’s Tall Ship ; Tall Ship Lady Washington

See the city from a tall ship on the gaff-rigged schooner Bay Lady , an 85-footer. A two-hour sail from Seattle’s Tall Ship starts at $45 for adults; $35 for kids 2–12; there are several sailings daily on Puget Sound from late April through the end of October.

Another nearby option: the Lady Washington brig, the official tall ship of the state of Washington, has day sails of two hours or more during July from Anacortes, Port Ludlow, Everett, and other cities. It’s a replica of the original Lady Washington , the first U.S. ship to sail the West Coast. For a two-hour sail: $70 for adults, $50 kids 4–12; four-hour voyages are also available.

• Book now: Pride of Baltimore II

Besides public two-hour sails, the Pride of Baltimore II , a topsail schooner, provides several guest crew opportunities for hands-on experience during the summer. While it visits New York in July, evening two-hour trips are available from Greenpoint on Long Island on the 19th and 20th (adults $55, $35 kids).

• Book now: Tall Ship Adventure

Enjoy a tall ship trip on the Californian through the Maritime Museum of San Diego. In addition to four-hour sails on Sundays (through October) at $119 for adults, $69 for children 3–12, this summer, for the first time since 2020, the Maritime Museum offers two chances for families to spend the night aboard the 1863 Star of India. (The boat stays docked but staff will teach the night’s “crew” about life for sailors long ago.) Overnights are Friday July 26 and August 9, 2 p.m. to 9 a.m., with two meals, $125 per person.

• Book now: Tall Ship Windy

Aboard the 148-foot schooner Windy , offerings include a daily Chicago Skyline tour from Lake Michigan (75 minutes; $49 adults, $39 kids) and an educational 90-minutes hands-on sail (Saturday–Monday, $35 adults, $25 kids). Summer features two-hour blues concert trips on Monday nights, $59 adults, $49 kids.

Gloucester, Massachusetts

• Book now: Schooner Adventure

During a 2.5-hour jaunt from the nation’s oldest fishing port, Gloucester Harbor, passengers can participate—helping raise the sails—or not, as they wish. You’ll be on the restored 1926 Adventure , a dory-fishing schooner and a National Historic Landmark. Those age 18 and under can enjoy the experience for free; tickets for adults are a modest $52. The Adventure offers public trips June through September on Sunday afternoons and Friday evenings.

Republicans feel fresh wind in their sails for November victories

Good morning, Early Birds. There are still two days left of the Republican National Convention, but we’re counting down the 10 days until the Olympics’ Opening Ceremonies. Send tips to [email protected] . Thanks for waking up with us.

In today’s edition … Former Trump critics have embraced Trump at the RNC … Trump pitches populism — and also big business economics … but first …

GOP hopes surge for holding onto the House

MILWAUKEE — If you had asked House Republicans months ago whether they’d win the majority, many privately — and unequivocally — would have said no.

But one bad debate night by President Biden late last month and an assassination attempt against former president Donald Trump have rejuvenated a sense of unity and confidence that is palpable inside the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. Republicans now think they will not only flip the Senate in their favor and win the White House, but also accomplish the tougher task of retaining their House majority .

• “I think there’s obviously going to be a big down-ballot effect,” Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) told us in an interview yesterday about the impact of President Biden’s debate and the assassination attempt of Trump. “The chasm of enthusiasm is so wide between those two sides now, especially after a failed assassination attempt. I mean, Trump is legendary figure status now, and it has a very emotional effect for the electorate. I think we’re going to see that.”

Down-ballot races was a theme last night at the Republican convention. All the Republican Senate candidates in battleground states spoke in prime time, where they said that flipping the Senate was crucial to giving Trump the Congress he needs to enact his agenda.

“It’s all about energy. Nobody wants to show up to vote for a tired old career politician like (Sen.) Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Joe Biden,” Ohio Senate candidate Bernie Moreno told us. “We have the energy, we have the enthusiasm, we have the vision for the future.”

Republicans were already on the verge of winning the Senate. West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice , who spoke at the convention with Babydog, his Bulldog, by his side, is expected to win the state’s open Senate seat, giving Republicans the 50th seat. Democrats would have to win all seven contested races and the presidency — for the tiebreaking vice presidency — to have a chance of keeping the Senate.

Holding on to the House was viewed as somewhat harder. But Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee responsible for electing House Republicans, says he’s more confident that Republicans will keep control of the House even as they are still waiting for post-debate polling to show whether their candidates have received a bump.

• “You add the whole layer of people now questioning whether he has the mental acuity to do the job, I think that only helps us and the data will show that probably,” Hudson told us. “We’re not going to campaign on his mental capacity.”

Indeed, House Democrats remain divided over whether Biden should be their party’s nominee as many fear his eroding lead in critical swing states will have down-ballot effects. “New fault lines are emerging within the party over somewhat obscure party nominating rules ahead of the Aug. 19 Democratic convention as well as ballot access deadlines in all 50 states,” Leigh Ann and our colleagues Paul Kane and Tyler Pager report .

An unspoken understanding

Johnson said he and Trump have yet to talk about whether the former president will formally endorse him for another term as speaker if House Republicans keep the majority in November.

But the speaker, who has come under fire from the far right in his party for passing funding for Ukraine and grumbling from some factions for not being decisive enough, is confident in his future prospects. He notably mentioned that there is “an assumption that I’m going to be leading the next Congress on both of our parts.”

Johnson said he and Trump are working on crafting a joint agenda to pursue if he wins the White House and Republicans keep the House. The speaker said he has also kept senators in the loop to ensure the effort is achieved in a “bicameral, united fashion.”

“We need the same team to lead it through so that we can accomplish that,” Johnson said. “There won’t be a lot of time for drama and disruption at the beginning of all this. So I think that’s the assumption of membership and the president as well.”

Former speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) agreed with his successor that Trump “will not allow turmoil to happen” in the days between when the House elects a speaker and the chamber certifying the election for him in early January 2025 if Republicans win in November.

“If they win seats, Johnson’s speaker,” McCarthy said.

Trump’s evolution?

Johnson believes Trump has changed since a shooter nicked his ear with a bullet Saturday evening.

Between sips of a Celsius energy drink, Johnson recounted his brief interactions with Trump since Saturday and said the former president “seems to be in a different place” and devoted ample time to “changing the content” of his acceptance speech Thursday to promote a united message.

Johnson recounted another influential near-death experience that “moved” Trump. The speaker’s two sons nearly drowned in the ocean near Mar-a-Lago last November, Johnson said, noting that Trump was “convinced it was miraculous,” that a parasailor happened to sail by and notice his son, the speaker said.

• “I reminded him after this event, ‘Mr. President, just like God saved my boys, he saved you as well. What a profound thing it is for God to have spared your life because apparently, he has more for you to do, and that you may be leading again the greatest nation in the history of the world for the second time,’” Johnson said.

“I think he’s thinking deeply about that,” Johnson added. “I think he’s thinking about the responsibility he has and the condition of the country, and that motivates a man.”

But the speakers at the Republican convention veered from Trump’s post-assassination attempt theme of unity . Many blamed Biden for an open border, allowing deadly fentanyl into the country and allowing undocumented people to vote. (Undocumented immigrants aren’t allowed to vote in federal elections.)

The Democratic National Committee responded with a memo.

“While Trump and his allies try to talk a big game, the truth is the speakers on stage tonight sided with the cartels over the Border Patrol, blocking bipartisan efforts to secure our border,” the DNC’s Alex Floyd wrote , referring to the bipartisan border bill Republicans rejected several months ago.

And the White House touted statistics that border crossings have dropped 50 percent in the past six weeks since Biden enacted stringent executive orders making it more difficult to seek asylum, our colleague Nick Miroff reports .

What we’re watching

At the convention.

Sen. J.D. Vance, who Trump unveiled was his running mate on Monday, will give his acceptance speech tonight. We’ll be watching his tone and if he denounces any more funding for Ukraine.

On the campaign trail

Biden is continuing his swing across Las Vegas today, where he will talk directly to the Latino community just one day after courting Black voters at the NAACP conference Tuesday.

He’s set to speak to the UnidosUS Annual Conference and mingle with local supporters at a community coalition event. His second day in Vegas comes after the president ratcheted up the rhetoric and attacks against Trump just four days after Biden’s campaign paused operations shortly following the assassination attempt against his opponent.

On The Post Live stage

Sign up here to watch Washington Post Live’s lineup of political programs this week:

• Wednesday, 2 p.m.: Michael Scherer interviews Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis) from the RNC in Milwaukee
• Thursday, 12 p.m.: Michael Duffy interviews Corey Lewandowski from the RNC in Milwaukee
• Thursday, 1 p.m.: Ramesh Ponnuru interviews New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R)
• Friday, 9 a.m.: Jonathan Capehart hosts Post Live’s weekly show “First Look” with top Post reporters and columnists

The campaign

Former trump critics have embraced trump at the rnc.

While the GOP primary suggested the party was split over Trump early on, the Republican National Convention thus far has shown that Republicans are back to the point where loyalty to Trump is the most important factor.

There is perhaps no greater example of this than Trump’s recently announced running mate selection. While Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) started out as a Trump critic, in recent years he has established himself as one of Trump’s most loyal followers — even expressing a willingness to pick Trump over the Constitution.

• “Vance has said [that after Biden won the 2020 election] he would have used the vice president’s role overseeing the electoral count to recognize Trump electors from states the then-president didn’t win and that Congress ‘should have fought over it from there.’ That, he said in February as he auditioned to be Trump’s pick, was the proper way to deal with an election ‘that had a lot of problems,’” report our colleagues Colby Itkowitz, Beth Reinhard and Clara Ence Morse .

Other Trump critics turned allies found prominent spots at the convention this year. Trump’s biggest rivals in the primary this cycle, former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, were given speaking slots and both expressed their support for Trump . While DeSantis endorsed Trump after he dropped out of the GOP presidential primary earlier this year, Haley gave her first full-throated endorsement of Trump in her speech.

• “In her warmly received remarks on Tuesday night, Haley spoke directly to those Republican voters who wanted to move on from Trump. She said Trump had ‘graciously’ asked her to speak to the convention ‘in the name of unity’ and that she wanted to make it clear, for the first time, that he had her full endorsement,” reports our colleague Maeve Reston .

“For the sake of our nation, we have to go with Donald Trump,” said Haley.

Trump pitches populism — and also big business economics

While Trump has pushed pro-worker messaging at the Republican National Convention, in private he continues to reassure wealthy donors that he is the best candidate for the wealthy and big business.

• “The two conflicting versions of the GOP’s future leave unsettled exactly how the former president would try to balance his party’s factions if he wins in November, probably setting up a reprisal of the tensions over economic policy that characterized his first term,” report our colleagues Josh Dawsey, Rachel Siegel, Jeff Stein and Laura Vozzella .

One of the more public displays of Trump’s pursuit of labor leaders is the presence of Teamsters President Sean O’Brien at the RNC . While O’Brien hasn’t endorsed Trump and the union has yet to endorse a candidate, O’Brien was given a speaking slot and Trump has been courting him for months.

Trump has simultaneously been pursuing wealthy donors by promising them he will cut corporate taxes if elected . Trump also suggested in a recent interview with Bloomberg that he may nominate JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon for treasury secretary.

While Trump’s first term saw tension between pro-business and populist economic officials in his administration, Trump’s selection of Vance as his running mate may indicate that the populists around Trump may have the upper hand in his campaign this go-round .

Must reads:

From The Post:

• LGBTQ flags and quinoa: The liberal Va. enclave where J.D. Vance lives . By Paul Schwartzman and Peter Hermann.
• DeSantis-stacked panel approves ‘dirty trick’ language for abortion referendum . By Lori Rozsa.
• Biden set to announce support for major Supreme Court changes. By Tyler Pager and Michael Scherer .
• Biden, addressing NAACP, bashes Trump in bid to move beyond age questions . By Toluse Olorunnipa.

From across the web:

• Trump-Vance Administration Could Herald New Era for Dollar . By the New York Times’s Alan Rappeport.
• Netanyahu works behind the scenes to win Trump back . By Axios’s Barak Ravid.

Trolling 101

Thanks for reading. You can also follow Leigh Ann and Marianna on X: @LACaldwellDC and @MariannaReports .