The gooseneck is the swivel connection on a sailboat by which the boom attaches to the mast. The boom may pivot in any direction, from side to side or up and down, by swiveling on the gooseneck.[1]
The gooseneck may be a two-axis swivel as pictured. Having an integrated shackle for the tack is common. Goosenecks on older rigs may be formed by a loop attached to the end of the boom that fits loosely about the mast.