foretopmast
Sail-bearing vertical pole
A foretopmast is the second section of a sailing ship's foremast, extending above the lower foremast and below the fore-topgallant mast.
On traditional square-rigged vessels, masts were built in sections to allow for easier repair and to manage the immense height needed for multiple sail levels.
The foretopmast supports the fore-topsail and its associated rigging.
The foretopmast snapped in the gale, leaving the crew struggling to maintain course.
Ship's upper pole section
- shroudsWraps that hide
- forestaysForward mast supports
- backstaysAft mast-supporting cables
- halyardsRopes for hoisting sails
ratlines · crosstrees · cap · hounds · doubling · fid · heel · truck
Nautical support beam
- timberWood for construction
- firCone-bearing evergreen genus
- spruceNeat; also a conifer
- pineCone-bearing evergreen
step · cap · truck · hounds · heel · doubling · hoops · splice
Seagoing transport vessel
- square-riggerShip with horizontal-yard sails
- clipperFast ship or trimmer
- barqueMulti-masted sailing vessel
- frigateMedium-sized naval warship
brigantine · schooner · merchantman · warship · man-of-war · brig · galleon · whaler
topmast
Ship's upper pole section
halyards · ratlines · crosstrees · cap · hounds · doubling · fid · heel · truck · yards
spar
Nautical support beam
pine · step · cap · truck · hounds · heel · doubling · hoops · splice · tenon
ship
Seagoing transport vessel
- square-riggerShip with horizontal-yard sails
- clipperFast ship or trimmer
- barqueMulti-masted sailing vessel
frigate · brigantine · schooner · merchantman · warship · man-of-war · brig · galleon · whaler · privateer
staysail
Triangular cloth on rigging