mainmast
Tallest ship pole
The mainmast is the principal mast on a sailing vessel—typically the tallest and most centrally positioned.
On ships with multiple masts, it carries the largest sails and bears the greatest load.
The mainmast snapped in the storm.
The term extends to related parts: the mainsail hangs from it, the maintop sits atop it.
Wraps that hide
- staysRemains in place
- halyardSail-hoisting tackle
- ratlinesRope ladder rungs aboard
- forestayForward mast-bracing cable
backstay · deadeyes · lanyards · standing rigging · turnbuckles · parceling · worming · serving
Seagoing transport vessel
- schoonerMulti-masted sailing craft
- barqueMulti-masted sailing vessel
- brigShipboard detention quarters
- clipperFast ship or trimmer
galleon · frigate · man-of-war · full-rigged · square-rigger · brigantine · carrack · caravel
Nautical support beam
- topmastShip's upper pole section
- crosstreesHorizontal mast supports
- truckHeavy freight vehicle
- houndsDogs bred to track
cap · step · partners · heel · head · topgallant · royal · tabernacle
topsail
Sail above another sail
yardarm · gaff · boom · clew · reefing · sheets · braces · furling · bent · set
shrouds
Wraps that hide
forestay · backstay · deadeyes · lanyards · standing rigging · turnbuckles · parceling · worming · serving · tackle
ship
Seagoing transport vessel
clipper · galleon · frigate · man-of-war · full-rigged · square-rigger · brigantine · carrack · caravel · tall ship
spar
Nautical support beam
- topmastShip's upper pole section
- crosstreesHorizontal mast supports
- truckHeavy freight vehicle
hounds · cap · step · partners · heel · head · topgallant · royal · tabernacle · keelson
towering
Of imposing height
soaring · vertical · skyward · highest · central · dominant · stepped · raked · plumb
crow's nest
Elevated ship observation platform