stay

ship part

Also known as: forestay

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

seizings Three round seizings securing the eye at the end of a forestay.

The term "stay" in a nautical context refers to a type of rope or cable used to support a ship's mast. These stays are crucial for maintaining the mast's stability and the integrity of the sails.

Different types of stays serve specific functions:
* A bobstay secures the bowsprit downwards.1
* A backstay extends aft from the masthead for support.2
* A breast backstay is a type of backstay used to support the upper mast when the wind is from the front.3
* A spring stay can be a heavy wire rope between mastheads or an auxiliary stay.4
* A forestaysail is a sail set on the forestay, typically the triangular sail at the rear of a schooner or similar vessel.5

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rigging
The mast is supported by stays and shrouds that are known as the standing rigging because they are made fast; the shrouds also serve as ladders to permit the crew to climb aloft. The masts and forestays support all the sails. The ropes by which the yards, on square riggers,…
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The mast is supported by stays and shrouds that are known as the standing rigging because they are made fast; the shrouds also serve as ladders to permit the crew to climb aloft. The masts and forestays support all the sails. The ropes by which the yards, on square riggers,…
Read More