Ship's Rigging

A ship's rigging is the entire system of masts, spars, ropes, cables, and wires used to support a vessel's structure and control its sails.  They are of two kinds: standing rigging and running rigging. 

Standing Rigging (Fixed Support)

Standing rigging consists of the permanent lines that holds the masts, and spars upright and steady. 

• Shrouds: Wire, rope or chain cables running from the masts to the sides of the hull, keeping the masts from falling sideways.  They often feature hrizontal cross ropes called ratlines that act as rope ladders for the crew. 

• Stays: Cables running fore-and-aft (front - to -back) to support the mast. A forestay runs to the bow(front), while backstays run to the stern. 

Running Rigging ( Active Control)

Running rigging consists of moveable lines, blocks (pulleys), and winches used to adjust and operate the sails and spars.

• Halyards: Lines used to raise and lower sails.

• Sheets: Lines attached to the lower corners of the sails to control their angle relative to the wind.

•Braces and Lifts: Lines used to adjust the tilt, height, or orientation of the yards and booms