topgallant
Square-rigger's upper sail
Topgallant refers to the section of a sailing ship's mast above the topmast, or to the sail set on that section.
The topgallant mast and sail sit third from the deck, catching wind high above the main structure.
The word often appears in historical nautical contexts: The topgallant sail billowed in the strong breeze.
As an adjective, it describes anything at or relating to this height on a ship: topgallant yard, topgallant rigging.
Ship's upper pole section
- foremastShip's frontmost vertical spar
- mainmastShip's central vertical spar
- mizzenmastShip's rearmost vertical spar
- yardarmOuter spar end
crosstrees · masthead · truck · cap · doubling · hounds · spar · pole
Wraps that hide
- ratlinesRope ladder rungs aboard
- staysRemains in place
- backstaysAft mast-supporting cables
- halyardSail-hoisting tackle
braces · sheets · lifts · tackles · blocks · dead-eyes · lanyard · gaskets
Outer spar end
- crosstreesHorizontal mast supports
- slingsBandage supports for arms
- trussLoad-bearing beam arrangement
- bracesDental alignment devices
topmast
Ship's upper pole section
- foremastShip's frontmost vertical spar
- mainmastShip's central vertical spar
- mizzenmastShip's rearmost vertical spar
yardarm · crosstrees · masthead · truck · cap · doubling · hounds · spar · pole · stepping
shrouds
Wraps that hide
halyard · braces · sheets · lifts · tackles · blocks · dead-eyes · lanyard · gaskets · truss
yardarm
Outer spar end
- crosstreesHorizontal mast supports
- slingsBandage supports for arms
- trussLoad-bearing beam arrangement
braces · lifts · stirrups · bending · crossing · swaying · square
royal
Of monarchs
canvas · moonraker · spritsail · course · staysail · spanker · lateen · luff · reef · clew
topgallantcourse
Planned path forward
mainsail · foresail · main course · storm sail · topsail