Rigging

Don't know the difference between Mainmast and Mizzenmast? Topsails or topgallants and Royals? Cordage and sheets?

See if this helps.

Masts

To be technical, a mast is a vertical spar.

The Mainmast is the tallest mast. The Foremast the second tallest. The Mizzenmast the third tallest and the Jiggermast the fourth tallest. A fifth mast is rare and there is no recognised name for it though Spanker is sometimes used.

Parts of the mast (wood masts)

The lowest section is called the mast or lower mast. Then working toward the top, the names are: Topmast, Topgallant mast, Royal mast.

Sails

The main sail, the lowest, is called after its mast name: foresail, mainsail, mizzen sail, jigger sail.

The next sail above is called the Topsail then the topgallant then the royal. Any above these are called: Skysail and Moonsail.

There is some variation in names and additional names for less regularly used sails.

The sails are named according to their position and the mast they are attached to: topsail, topgallant etc. The sail second up the mizzen-mast is the "mizzen topsail", and the third sail up the fore-mast is the "fore topgallant sail etc..

Sails in the front of the front mast are often called jibs, genoas or spinnakers. They are attached to the foremast. They are usually triangular.

Staysails are attached between masts.

There can also be studding sails (stunsls) and spankers.

Sails were traditionally made of canvas. They were once made from cannabis (Greek: kannabis - hemp) but are now made from cotton. More modern materials include dacron and kevlar.

Rigging

a) square rig

The usual image of a large warship is one equipped with sails that are rectangular. Held in place by a spar attached to the mast. Usually called a yard. That is able to rotate somewhat. A spar is usually a horizontal mast attached to the mast. These ships are called square rigged ships.

b) Bermuda rig

These sails are triangular in shape - such as in most modern yachts. The sail is attached in two places; along the mast and to a spar at the bottom called a boom.

c) gaff rig

A gaff rigged boat has a spar jutting out from the mast at an angle of usually about 40 degrees. But sometimes near vertical. This is the gaff. These sails are four sided. Schooners are typically gaff rigged. Many traditional native craft use this rigging.

A gaff rigged sail usually has a larger area than a bermuda sail. But they have fallen from favour and most modern yachts are bermuda rigged. The dear little Mirror dingy is gaff rigged.

Ropes

a) standing rigging. These are ropes that don't move. e.g. the ropes used to hold a mast in position.
b) running rigging. These control the shape and position of the sails. e.g. a sail is raised using a halyard with the help of a pulley. A sheet is a rope used to control the position of a sail.

This is but an introduction to this topic. I've tried to keep it simple. There is of course a great deal more that can be said but I think I've bewildered enough people already!

I sincerely hope that members add to this.

Pics:

1. fully square rigged
2. gaff rigged

[cissystar650]

Brilliant! Very helpful and informative.

I tried to learn all this in my Lifeboat days, but it got lost among Navigation and Mechanics!

Thanks Herakles

[Harley]

I have a nice diagram with the names of all the various sails and masts on from a 30s children's book. I'll endeavour to scan it tomorrow.

Harley

I look forward to that Harley.

I was going to scan in the well known diagram that appears at the front of all the Jack Aubrey O'Brian books but I was concerned I'd be breaching copyright.

[The Sailor]

Then there's Halyards and cleats.
Halyards, sheets, and moorings are fastened to cleats.

When we were in our thirties, my wife and I used to sail a 14 foot surfcat in a yacht club.
In fact I was the dizzy Vice Commodore of the club.

Now you're posting like mad to become a Commodore again! But this time you'll only be 2nd Class!

A lot of my time was spent in Mirrors but not in a club. Rather teaching boys the joys of sailing.

And I managed a lot of sailing at the Army College. But sailing around Canberra can be very nasty being inland waters. The year before I arrived, several Cadets lost their lives this way. One other cadet was awarded the George Cross for his bravery that day.

[The Sailor]

Now you're posting like mad to become a Commodore again!

You can talk Herk. That's rich. Posting like there is no tomorrow. I can't keep up.
Besides, I've already been one [yawn]

Joke, Sailor, joke!

And anyway, so have I been one!

Yes I do post a lot. It's because I so enjoy this forum and want it to be a great one.

And isn't it contagious!

[The Sailor]

Especially for us Aussies who can all read and write.

What are you saying Sailor? That the others can't? I do hope not.

The standard of posts here is outstanding.