It could be the mast or even a boathook.
The vertical pole is called a "Mast". The horizontal poles (on 3-masted ships for instance) are called "Arms" or "Yardarms".
The pole on a sailboat is called the mast.
A traditional flat-bottomed calm water boat, blunt both ends and propelled by a pole, is a punt.
punt
a pole is used on symmetrical boats, or a boat that has the spinnaker, or kite, out in front of it. An A-Symmetrical boat puts the spinnaker to the side. A-Symmetrical boats use a bowsprit to hold the sail out in front of the boat, but Symmetricals use a pole. it clips onto the mast of the boat, and the other ends holds the sail.
The pole you are referring to is called the mast. If the boat only has one mast it is usually not in the middle of the boat but is normally found in the forward third of the boat.
A mast
The mast is part of a boat. It is a vertical pole on a ship which supports the sails.
A pole on a boat that holds spars or sails.
Gondolas.
The advantage of a Power-Pole Shallow Water Anchor is that it is for the serious fisherman. It has been designed for the smaller boat and helps with boat positioning.
you cant sail a boat to the north pole because that would just be stupid. you would have to bring lots of food and it would be cold. also there is lots of things jin your way and chances are you dont even now how to sail a boat.