running rigging

ship parts

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

The term "running rigging" refers to the ropes and lines on a sailing vessel that are used to control the sails, movable spars, or handle cargo. Unlike "standing rigging," which is fixed in place, running rigging is designed to move through blocks or pulleys.12

Key components of running rigging include:
* Lifts, jeers, and halyards: Used to raise and lower sails.1
* Tacks and sheets: Used to secure the lower corners of sails.1

While historically associated with sailing ships, rigging, including masts, is still used on modern steam and motor vessels for various purposes like supporting hoists, radio antennae, and displaying signals.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

rigging
…sail are known as the running rigging. The running rigging is subdivided into the lifts, jeers, and halyards (haulyards), by which the sails are raised and lowered, and the tacks and sheets, which hold down the lower corners of the sails. The history of the development of rigging over the…
Read More
…sail are known as the running rigging. The running rigging is subdivided into the lifts, jeers, and halyards (haulyards), by which the sails are raised and lowered, and the tacks and sheets, which hold down the lower corners of the sails. The history of the development of rigging over the…
Read More