Standing rigging is the generic name given to the system of wires, spreaders and tensioning devices which maintain a mast in position under sailing loads. As yachts grow larger and more sophisticated, the potential for complexity is substantial, but the principles remain the same. A simple masthead sloop rig such as might be found on a yacht up to 40ft is supported by a forestay, a backstay and a pair of cap shrouds. These pass over spreaders mounted at the ‘hounds’ halfway down the mast to improve their angle. One or two pairs of lower shrouds run between deck and hounds to stiffen the central part of the spar.
Spreader Forestay Hounds
Backstay
Lower shrouds
With keel stepped masts, the upward pull from the halyard falls would flex the deck upwards unless resisted. This particular system ties the deck to the mast itself, but there are other ways of achieving the same result.
