Running and Standing Rigging

 

Two sketches, showing the Running and Standing Rigging on a sailing vessel. The running rigging are the lines which move to set and control the sails. The standing rigging are the stationary lines which support the masts and sails.

The Top Sketch is one which shows the various parts of the running rigging:

A. Sail (in this case what is known as a "square" rig);
B. Mast (Spar that supports the sails and rigging);
C. Yard (Spar that supports the sail when in use or when furled);
1. Lifts (Lines to raise the yard);
2. Halyard (Lines to raise the yard);
3. Braces (Lines to move the yard around the mast);
4. Sheets (Lines to hold the lower corners of the sail against the wind).

The Lower Sketch is one which shows the various parts of the standing rigging:

A. Hull (Ship's structure);
B. Mast (See above);
1. Forestay (Supports the mast and all foresails fore and aft);
2. Aftstay (Supports the mast fore and aft);
3. Shrouds (Supports the Mast athwartships).

Reference:-

Lional Casson, "Ships and Seamanship In the Ancient World," Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore / London, 1995