The A-Z of Sailboat Rigging: A Guide to Standing & Running Rigging

In a Nutshell...

Sailboat rigging is the system of wires, ropes, and components that supports the mast and controls the sails. It's divided into two main categories: standing rigging and running rigging. Standing rigging, which includes shrouds, stays, and forestays, is the static support system that holds the mast upright. Running rigging, which includes halyards, sheets, and control lines, is the dynamic system used to hoist, trim, and adjust the sails. Understanding the function and maintenance of both is crucial for safety and performance.

The impressive schooner 'Kairos' at anchor in Five Islands Bay, Antigua sports a plethora of rigging

Running and standing rigging in extremis!

The Backbone of Your Sailboat: Understanding Standing Rigging
The Workhorse of Your Sailboat: Exploring Running Rigging
Masts, Booms, & Spars: The Foundation
Frequently Asked Questions

Standing, or Running Rigging?

Part	Rigging Type	Function
Mast	Standing	The vertical spar that supports the sails and rigging.
Boom	Running	The horizontal spar that controls the foot of the mainsail.
Shrouds	Standing	Wires running from the mast to the sides of the boat, preventing it from falling sideways.
Forestay	Standing	Wire running from the mast to the bow, preventing the mast from falling backward.
Backstay	Standing	Wire running from the mast to the stern, preventing the mast from falling forward.
Halyard	Running	A rope used to hoist a sail up the mast.
Sheet	Running	A rope used to trim and control the angle of a sail relative to the wind.
Winch	N/A	A mechanical device used to tension ropes (halyards and sheets) with greater force.
Turnbuckle	Standing	A device used to adjust the tension of the standing rigging.
Gooseneck	N/A	The fitting that connects the boom to the mast, allowing it to pivot.

The Backbone of Your Sailboat: Understanding Standing Rigging

As an experienced ocean sailor, I've learned that you ignore your standing rigging at your peril. It's the silent, unsung hero of your sailboat—the collection of wires, rods, and fittings that hold your mast securely in place against the immense forces exerted by the wind and sea. Unlike the sheets and halyards you handle daily, standing rigging is a static system. It's there to do one job: keep your mast standing tall.

The condition of standing rigging is critical for the safety of the vessel and the crew, For a deeper look, read our "Inspecting & Maintaining your Standing Rigging".

A typical standing rigging setup includes:

Shrouds: These are the wires running from the mast to the sides of the hull. They are your primary lateral support, preventing the mast from swaying side-to-side. You'll often see upper shrouds and lower shrouds, each serving a specific purpose in distributing the load.

Stays: These run from the mast to the bow and stern. The forestay and backstay are critical for providing longitudinal support, stopping the mast from falling backward or forward. On a cutter rig, you'll also find an inner forestay.

Chainplates: These are the heavy-duty metal plates bolted to the hull to which the shrouds and stays are attached. They are a critical, but often overlooked, part of the system.

Turnbuckles & Toggles: These components allow you to adjust the tension of your standing rigging, a process known as tuning the rig. Proper tension is vital for sail shape and overall performance. Read our article The Complete Guide to Standing Rigging & Mast Tuning which sets out how to do this.

Maintenance is key. After a long passage, my first task is always a thorough visual inspection of the standing rigging. I'm looking for broken wire strands (called "meat hooks"), corrosion, or bent fittings. For offshore sailors, it’s a good practice to replace a boat’s standing rigging every 10 to 15 years, regardless of its apparent condition.

Sketch of the standing rigging on a masthead sloop

Naming the parts

The standing rigging on most cruising sailboat is made up with 1x19 stainless wire, but there are other options available, rod rigging for example, and Dyneema. For a deep dive on these options, take a look at Stainless Steel vs Rod Rigging: Choosing the right Material.

The Workhorse of Your Sailboat: Exploring Running Rigging

If standing rigging is the skeleton, then running rigging is the muscle. This is the dynamic part of the system that you, as a sailor, interact with constantly. Running rigging is composed of ropes (or 'lines' in sailing parlance) that are used to raise, lower, and control the sails.

The primary components of running rigging include:

Halyards: These lines are used to hoist sails. A main halyard pulls up the mainsail, and a jib or genoa halyard hoists the headsail.

Sheets: These are the lines used to control the trim of the sails. The mainsheet controls the boom and, by extension, the mainsail, while jib sheets control the headsail.

Control Lines: This is a broad category that includes everything from the vang (which controls the downward force on the boom) and outhaul (which tensions the foot of the mainsail) to reefing lines (used to reduce sail area in heavy winds). For a deeper look, read Essential Sail Controls: Outhaul & Reefing Systems Explained.

Blocks & Winches: These are the mechanical components that make it possible to manage the immense loads on the lines. Blocks act as pulleys, while winches provide the mechanical advantage needed to trim sails or tension halyards. It's a good idea to periodically assess your winches to ensure they are still meeting the demands of your sailing. So could it be Time to Upgrade your Sailboat Winches?

Unlike standing rigging, running rigging is typically replaced more frequently due to wear and tear. A frayed halyard or a worn-out sheet can fail at the worst possible moment, so I’m always mindful of replacing lines as soon as they show signs of significant chafe or UV damage. My personal rule of thumb is to inspect and replace my running rigging every 5 to 7 years, or sooner if needed. I always carry spare lines of various diameters onboard, especially on long-distance trips, for emergency repairs.

Sketch showing the running rigging for a spinnaker

Uphaul, downhaul, sheets and guys required if you fly a spinnaker!

Various materials are available for running rigging. For an explanation of why this is so, take a look at A Guide to Marine Cordage: Choosing the Right Ropes for Halyards & Sheets.

Masts, Booms, & Spars: The Foundation

No discussion of rigging would be complete without mentioning the mast and spars. The mast is the primary vertical spar, the tall pole from which your sails are set. A boom is the horizontal spar attached to the mast that extends the foot of the mainsail. Other spars might include a spinnaker pole or a bowsprit. Masts are typically made of aluminum, carbon fiber, or wood, each with its own advantages in terms of weight, strength, and cost.

Modern masts are often a 'keel-stepped' design, meaning they extend through the deck and rest on the keel, or a 'deck-stepped' design, which sits on the deck and is supported by a compression post below. There are pros and cons for each solution, which are discussed in detail in Mast Stepping 101: A Guide to Deck-Stepped vs. Keel-Stepped Masts.

Spar Materials

Material	Pros	Cons
Aluminum	Cost-effective, durable, widely available & easy to maintain.	Heavier than carbon fibre, can suffer from corrosion if not carefully maintained.
Carbon Fibre	Extremely lightweight, very strong, high performance & offers a superior weight/strength ratio.	Very expensive, can be brittle & susceptible to UV damage if not properly protected.
Wood	Traditional aesthetic, excellent dampening properties & offers a classic look.	High maintenance, susceptible to rot, heavier than modern materials.
Steel	Extremely strong & durable, used for very large yachts where strength is a critical design factor.	Very heavy, prone to rust, requires continuous maintenance & corrosion protection.

For an expansion on the above table, read Choosing a Sailboat Mast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a stay and a shroud?

A stay runs fore-and-aft (forward and backward) from the mast, providing longitudinal support. A shroud runs athwartships (side-to-side), providing lateral support.

How often should I replace my standing rigging?

For recreational sailors, a common recommendation is to replace stainless steel wire standing rigging every 10-15 years, or sooner if any signs of corrosion or damage are visible.

What is a turnbuckle?

A turnbuckle is a mechanical device used to adjust the tension of the standing rigging. It has a threaded body and two threaded terminals that are turned to either lengthen or shorten the assembly.

What is a halyard?

A halyard is a line used to hoist a sail up the mast. The mainsail has a main halyard, and a headsail has a jib or genoa halyard.

Resources Used