forestay
Bow-to-masthead cable
A forestay is a strong cable or rope running from the top of a ship's mast to the bow, providing forward support to keep the mast from falling backward.
On sailing vessels, headsails like jibs attach to the forestay.
The term extends to similar rigging on smaller sailboats: We tightened the forestay before heading into the wind.
Vessel's sail support
- jibTriangular sail forward
- shroudBurial cloth or covering
- halyardSail-hoisting tackle
- bowspritForward-projecting ship pole
genoa · furler · spreaders · headstay · turnbuckle · tang · toggles · swage
Sharp-headed fastener
- luffSail toward wind
- headsailForward-mounted boat canvas
- sloopOne-masted fore-and-aft rigger
- cutterOne who severs
yacht · sailboat · windward · hanked · grooved · sagging · tension · pointing
To uphold or sustain
- tensionStretched or strained state
- braceDevice providing structural stability
- stabilityResistance to displacement
- anchorageSecure harbor spot
counterbalance · compression · load-bearing · reinforcement · integrity · steadiness · firmness · anchoring
mast
Vessel's sail support
bowsprit · genoa · furler · spreaders · headstay · turnbuckle · tang · toggles · swage · terminals
tack
Sharp-headed fastener
cutter · yacht · sailboat · windward · hanked · grooved · sagging · tension · pointing · upwind
support
To uphold or sustain
- tensionStretched or strained state
- braceDevice providing structural stability
- stabilityResistance to displacement
anchorage · counterbalance · compression · load-bearing · reinforcement · integrity · steadiness · firmness · anchoring