backstay

Aft mast cable

A backstay is a rope or cable running from the top of a ship's mast to the stern, providing support against forward forces on the mast.

The term extends to any similar supporting element that braces against backward or forward stress.

In dentistry, a backstay is a wire connecting orthodontic bands on rear teeth.

sailing

mast

Vessel's sail support

boomLoud deep sound
mainsailPrincipal vessel canvas
jibTriangular sail forward

genoa · spinnaker · headsail · tiller · rudder · helm · keel · bow · stern · yacht

rigging

forestay

Forward mast-bracing cable

shroudBurial cloth or covering
turnbuckleThreaded device for adjusting tension
spreaderTool for distribution

halyard · tackle · block · cleat · furler · outhaul · mainsheet · jibsheet · gaff · topping lift

structural

support

To uphold or sustain

tensionStretched or strained state
braceDevice providing structural stability
reinforcementAdding support or encouragement

stability · anchorage · counterbalance · load-bearing · compression · staying · guy wire · strut · buttress

Categories

sailingsailboat, sailing, sails, sailboats, catamaran
shoemakingcobbler, cordwainer, cobbling, last, shoe lasts
boat partshull, keel, mast, rudder, helm
sailboat partsmast, sail, boom, hull, keel
sailing gearmainsail, sail, jib, spinnaker, genoa
shoe partssole, heel, toe, insole, outsole

Opposites

rigging position

backstayforestay

Forward mast-bracing cable

headstay · shroud

Family

backstrap, backstraps

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G