Mast - The main and highest spar in the center of the boat to which the jib and mainsail are attached.
Boom - The horizontal spar which extends aft (backwards) from the mast to which the foot of the mainsail sits.
Standing Rigging - Supports the mast and includes the Backstay,
Headstay, Shrouds - Shroud Lines or cables which give lateral stability to the mast.
Spreaders - Horizontal spars which spread the shrouds from the mast.
Headstay - A line or cable which supports the mast from the bow of the boat. If the line does not reach the top of the mast then it is also called a forstay.
Backstay - A line or cable which supports the mast from the stern of the boat.
Boom Topping Lift - A line which extends from the boom to the mast. Supports the boom when the mainsail is taken down.
Running Rigging - Lines which control and adjust the sails.
Halyard - A line used to raise a sail.
Sheet - The line which is used to adjust a sail against the force of the wind. The mainsail has one sheet. The jib has two, a working (leeward) sheet and a lazy (windward) sheet.
Boom Vang - A line which places downward tension on the boom.
Outhaul - Places backward tension on the clew of the mainsail. When tightened it will flatten the lower one-third of the mainsail.
Reefing Line - A line used to shorten the sail.
Winch - A device used to tighten a line.
Cleat - A metal or plastic device used to secure a line.
Mizzen - The smaller aft mast on a yawl or a ketch.
Chain Plate - A metal plate that a shroud is attached Block A device used to change a line's direction.
