A Brief Guide to Sailing Rigging

Sailing rigging consists of apparatus and equipment used to propel a ship forward using the power of wind. Cordage, masts, sails and yardarms are components of sailboat rigging. The world itself comes from an Anglo-Saxon term 'wrigan' which means 'to clothe.' Understanding how rigging works is important for those learning to sail. It is definitely something your instructor will cover if you are enrolled in sailing lessons. For beginners with no boat experience, lessons from an experienced teacher are a must.


Back to the subject of rigging, cordage is the word used to describe the lines or ropes that connect the sails to one another and move the sails. These ropes are connected to the spars and at times, the sails using pulley and clip systems. There are two different types of cordage -- standing rigging and running rigging. Standing rigging is fixed to hold the mast. Running rigging works to manipulate sail position and shape. This type of rigging must be smooth, flexible and durable. The type of material used for cordage will vary depending on where it is being used on the boat.

Masts are types of spars which work to manipulate and stabilize the boat sails. While masts are an extremely common type of spar there are other types also. They include gaffs, booms, battens and yards. Cordage is used to attach sails to spars. Often spars are made from materials like fiberglass, wood and aluminum, although masts are usually steel. Then of course there are the sails, an extremely important element of the boat. The sails are used to catch wind and help propel and guide the boat to its destination. They are usually made from fabric. Sails can be rectangular or triangular and are adjusted to suit the navigational needs of the sailor.

One of the best ways to become familiar with sailing rigging is by spending time on a sailboat with an experienced sailor. As mentioned previously, instructions are required for anyone who has never sailed before and wants to learn how. The various types of rigging and how they work will be explained and at some point during your sailing education you should be able to perform some hands-on tasks with the rigging.



 

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