Standing rigging is the fixed wire that holds the mast up: the forestay, backstay and shrouds. Running rigging is the moving rope used to hoist and control the sails, such as the halyards and sheets.
Everything that holds up and controls the sails is called the rig, and it divides into two kinds.
The standing rigging is fixed. It is usually stainless steel wire or rod, and its job is to hold the mast up and keep it straight:
- The forestay runs from the bow to the top of the mast (or near the top on a fractional rig). The jib is set on it.
- The backstay runs from the top of the mast to the stern. On many yachts it is adjustable, and tightening it bends the mast and flattens the mainsail.
- The shrouds hold the mast from each side. They are spread outwards by short struts called spreaders, which give them a better angle to the mast.
- The wires are attached to the hull at chainplates and tensioned by bottlescrews, also called turnbuckles.
The running rigging is the rope that moves: the halyards that hoist the sails, the sheets that set their angle to the wind, and the sail controls such as the outhaul, cunningham, kicker, traveller and reefing lines.
The distinction matters for maintenance. Standing rigging carries the whole load of the mast and sails, and if one part fails the mast can come down. Check it regularly for broken strands, cracks at the fittings, rust staining and missing split pins, and have it inspected and replaced at the intervals your rigger recommends. Running rigging wears through chafe and sunlight, so look for worn covers where ropes run through blocks and jammers, and replace them before they part.
More in the book: Chapter 1, The sailing boat