flying kite

noun Nautical.

any of various sails set above the royals or skysails in light weather; jolly jumper.
any of various light upper staysails, studdingsails, or jibs.
(in yachting) any of various racing sails, as spinnakers or balloon jibs.

Origin of flying kite

First recorded in 1810–20

Also called kite.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

It is very destructive to the flying-kite school, and many lives have been sacrificed by it.
The Sailor's Word-Book
William Henry Smyth
There was a good deal of special skill required for the production of a flying-kite.
Stories of Invention
Edward E. Hale