topmast
Above the deck
A topmast is the section of mast on a sailing ship that extends above the lower mast.
On traditional square-rigged vessels, masts were built in sections rather than single pieces, with the topmast fitted above the main structure and supporting its own set of sails and rigging: The storm carried away the foremast's topmast.
Aftermost sail or mast
- sparNautical support beam
- foretopmastSecond mast section forward
- topgallantThird-level square sail
- crosstreesHorizontal mast supports
cap · truck · hounds · doublings · fid · pole · timber · wooden
Sail above another sail
- topgallantThird-level square sail
- royalOf monarchs
- staysailTriangular cloth on rigging
- canvasHeavy woven cloth
Wraps that hide
- staysRemains in place
- ratlinesRope ladder rungs aboard
- halyardsRopes for hoisting sails
- forestayForward mast-bracing cable
backstay · deadeyes · lanyards · tackle · cordage · ropework · standing · running
Multi-masted sailing craft
- brigantineTwo-masted mixed-rig vessel
- brigShipboard detention quarters
- clipperFast ship or trimmer
- square-riggerShip with horizontal-yard sails
frigate · man-of-war · merchantman · windjammer · ketch · yawl · sloop · cutter
mizzen
Aftermost sail or mast
- sparNautical support beam
- foretopmastSecond mast section forward
- topgallantThird-level square sail
crosstrees · cap · truck · hounds · doublings · fid · pole · timber · wooden · stepped
topsail
Sail above another sail
- topgallantThird-level square sail
- royalOf monarchs
- staysailTriangular cloth on rigging
canvas · reef · yard · yardarm · gaff · boom · clew · leech · foot · head
shrouds
Wraps that hide
forestay · backstay · deadeyes · lanyards · tackle · cordage · ropework · standing · running · parceling
schooner
Multi-masted sailing craft
- brigantineTwo-masted mixed-rig vessel
- brigShipboard detention quarters
- clipperFast ship or trimmer
square-rigger · frigate · man-of-war · merchantman · windjammer · ketch · yawl · sloop · cutter
crow's-nest
Elevated maritime observation platform
- watchPortable timekeeping device
- horizonApparent earth-sky meeting
- sightingInstance of perceiving something
spyglass · telescope · landfall · bearing · distance · visibility · scanning · spotting