![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8b/SquareRigging.jpg/640px-SquareRigging.jpg&w=640&q=50)
Rigging
Ropes, cables and chains which support masts of sailing ships / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For other uses, see Rigging (disambiguation).
Rigging comprises the system of ropes, cables and chains, which support and control a sailing ship or sail boat's masts and sails. Standing rigging is the fixed rigging that supports masts including shrouds and stays. Running rigging is rigging which adjusts the position of the vessel's sails and spars including halyards, braces, sheets and vangs.[1]
![Thumb image](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8b/SquareRigging.jpg/640px-SquareRigging.jpg)
![Thumb image](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/60/Schema-Stehendes-Gut.png/320px-Schema-Stehendes-Gut.png)
Key: 1. Forestay 2. Shroud 3. (Spreaders) 4. Backstay 5. Inner forestay 6. Sidestay 7. (Boom) 8. Running backstays
![Thumb image](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e8/Bermuda_rigged_sloop_at_Convict_Bay_ca_1879.jpg/640px-Bermuda_rigged_sloop_at_Convict_Bay_ca_1879.jpg)
![Thumb image](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bf/Barkskibs_staende_rigning2.png/640px-Barkskibs_staende_rigning2.png)
![Thumb image](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f1/Yacht-mainsheet-jibsheet-vang-downhaul-jib_halyard.jpg/640px-Yacht-mainsheet-jibsheet-vang-downhaul-jib_halyard.jpg)
1. Main sheet 2. Jib sheet 3. Boom vang 4. Downhaul 5. Jib halyard