a leg-of-mutton sail (lom) is a simple triangular sail set on a long spar mounted horizontally on the mast. it runs in a fore-and-aft direction. the leg-of-mutton uses a spar mounted high instead of a boom. this gives the helmsman more visibility and there is no boom hit his or her head on. it is a favorite type of sail for small boats. these include puddle ducks and canoes. a lom is very similar to a spritsail. but instead of being square or having four corners, the lom has three. instead of the spar being mounted diagonally, as with the spritsail, it is mounted horizontally.