Sailboat Parts - Rig

• Mast - a tall, upright pole that supports the sails
• Boom - horizontal, aluminum pole where the foot of the Mainsail is attached
• Spreader - a small rod or bar which keeps the Shroud from coming into contact with the Mast
• Standing Rigging - a system of wires which holds the Mast up
  
  
  • Stay - a wire or rope which holds the Mast forward or aft
  • Shroud - a wire or rope which holds the Mast up and gives additional support by increasing the angle created by the Spreader and the Mast at the attachment point


• Running Rigging - collective term for all Lines (Halyards, Sheets) that raise, lower, and control the Sails
• Halyard - a line or rope which raises or pulls up the sail
• Sheet - a line or rope which controls the sail