Sailboat Boom Sun Awning – Acrylic Boat Shade (260, 310, 360 cm Lengths)

This sailboat awning is designed to create a pleasant shade over the cockpit by using the yacht’s existing structure – the mainsail boom and mast. Also known as a “boom tent” or “cockpit awning,” it is stretched between the mast and the backstay (or aft end of the boom), covering the cockpit area like a tent or awning.

Material and construction: The awning is sewn from high-quality acrylic fabric, the same type of material used for boat covers and dodgers (e.g., Sunbrella or equivalent). Acrylic is exceptionally suited for marine use – it won’t rot, resists mildew, and has high UV resistance. The white color is chosen deliberately – it reflects much of the sun’s energy rather than absorbing it, keeping the area under the awning cooler. The fabric’s density and coating make it waterproof in light to moderate rain, meaning your cockpit can stay dry if you encounter a brief shower at anchor. The edges of the canopy are reinforced, and grommets (eyelets) are installed at the corners and along the edges for tying it down.

Setup: To install the awning, the typical procedure is as follows: you rig it over the boom – either by laying it on top of the boom (if the mainsail is down and covered) or around it, stretched like a tent roof between the boom and the deck. The most common method is to drop the mainsail completely, leave the boom horizontal, and drape the awning over the boom as a ridge of a tent. One long side of the fabric attaches near the mast (some models have a sleeve that goes around the mast), and the other side attaches either to the backstay or to a line run between the aft ends of the two sides of the boat behind the cockpit. The side edges of the awning then slope down like a tent and are tied off with cords to points along both sides of the boat – lifelines, toe rail, or cleats along the gunwale. Typically, multiple adjustable lines or bungee cords are used, hooked through the awning’s grommets and secured on the boat to tension the fabric evenly. The end result is a taut canopy, similar to a sun tarp, covering the entire cockpit.

Universal fit: This awning is not custom to one boat model, meaning you can adapt it to your vessel. The three offered sizes (with length L and width W):

• Size S: L 260 cm x W 230 cm – suitable for smaller yachts (around 20–26 feet in length). For example, a boat with a boom ~2.5 m long can be well covered by this size.
• Size M: L 310 cm x W 290 cm – for medium-sized sailboats (~30–34 feet). E.g., a boom length ~3 m and boat beam around 2.8–3 m (cockpit width) would use this size.
• Size L: L 360 cm x W 345 cm – for larger yachts (~36–42 feet). For instance, a yacht with a big cockpit or beam ~3.5 m and boom ~3.5–4 m long will benefit from this largest awning.

(When choosing, consider your boom’s length – the awning should roughly cover it – and the width – how far down the sides it will go. The width W can be adjusted somewhat by how high or low you tie it.)

Convenience of use: This awning dramatically increases comfort on board when at anchor by providing shade over the cockpit, where the crew spends time relaxing or dining. Without it, a sailboat’s cockpit can become very hot under the summer sun, as sailboats often lack built-in sunshades. In addition, the awning also shields part of the deck and hatches from heating up, which helps keep the interior of the yacht cooler as well. When you’re ready to get underway, takedown is quick – you untie the lines and fold the fabric into a bag. The awning’s acrylic fabric dries fast in the air, but if you stow it damp, it tolerates that well (just air it out later to prevent mildew).

In summary, this awning is an extremely useful accessory for any sailor who spends time at anchor or in port in sunny conditions. It’s easy to use, compact to store, and made of marine-grade materials, and it will greatly contribute to the comfort and enjoyment of your time aboard by providing much-needed shade.