ratlin
Mast ladder rung
A ratlin is one of the small ropes fastened horizontally across the shrouds of a sailing ship, forming a ladder for climbing the rigging: The sailor scrambled up the ratlins to the crow's nest.
Also spelled ratline.
The word appears almost exclusively in nautical contexts or historical fiction.
climbing
Move upward
- footholdsSecure places for feet
- climbAscend using effort
- handholdsThings you grab onto
- barefootWearing no shoes
scramble · clamber · aloft · mast · topmast · mainmast · foremast · mizzen
ascend
Move upward
barefoot · scramble · clamber · aloft · mast · topmast · mainmast · foremast · mizzen · masthead
shrouds
Wraps that hide
- bulwarksDefensive barriers or protections
- gunwaleShip's side top edge
- capstanVertical rotating hauling device
deck · bowsprit · boom · gaff · spar · yards · crosstrees · quarterdeck · bosun · marlinspike
shrouds
Wraps that hide
- deadeyesUnerring shooters
- lanyardsStraps holding credentials
- standing riggingFixed cables supporting masts
forestay · backstay · turnbuckles · toggles · swage · wire rope · marline · parceling · worming · serving