headstay
headsail mainsail
keel rudder post
• A forestay runs from the top of the mast
or near the top, forward to the bow.
• A backstay runs from the mast to the
stern.
• Shrouds are wire cables that support the
mast from side to side.
• A chainplate is a metal strap fastened to
Section 1: Getting Started 5
a boat; shrouds and stays are attached to
chainplates.
• Tension-adjusting devices called turnbuckles
are used to tighten standing
rigging.
Running rigging is composed of the lines
used to raise, set, and trim sails.
56
57
58
59
sheet
Left: Figure 1-5. Parts of a
typical sailboat.
Above: Figure 1-6. Typical
sailboat rigging
60
61
mast
spreader
boom
backstay
shrouds
halyard
running rigging
sheet
cockpit
tiller
rudder
bilge
chainplate
foredeck