backstays
Aft stabilizing lines
Backstays are ropes or cables running from the upper part of a ship's mast down to the stern, providing support against forward pull.
They work opposite to forestays, which run toward the bow.
The term extends to any similar supporting element that braces against backward force: The backstays kept the antenna tower stable in high winds.
Wraps that hide
- standing riggingFixed cables supporting masts
- turnbucklesAdjustable coupling for tensioning
- spreadersThings that disp
- deadeyesUnerring shooters
lanyards · tangs · toggles · wire rope · swage · terminals · thimbles · shackles
One-masted fore-and-aft rigger
- ketchTwo-masted fore-and-aft vessel
- yawlTwo-masted sailing vessel
- cutterOne who severs
- schoonerMulti-masted sailing craft
yacht · cruiser · racer · offshore · passage · heavy weather · downwind · running
Stretched or strained state
- supportTo uphold or sustain
- counterbalanceOffsetting force or weight
- preventingStopping before occurrence
- steadyingMaking less shaky
bracing · reinforcement · adjustment · windward · leeward
shrouds
Wraps that hide
- standing riggingFixed cables supporting masts
- turnbucklesAdjustable coupling for tensioning
- spreadersThings that disp
deadeyes · lanyards · tangs · toggles · wire rope · swage · terminals · thimbles · shackles · cotter pins
sloop
One-masted fore-and-aft rigger
schooner · yacht · cruiser · racer · offshore · passage · heavy weather · downwind · running · spinnaker
tension
Stretched or strained state
- supportTo uphold or sustain
- counterbalanceOffsetting force or weight
- preventingStopping before occurrence
steadying · bracing · reinforcement · adjustment · windward · leeward