Which term refers to a wire support for a mast that is part of the standing rigging?

Which term refers to a wire support for a mast that is part of the standing rigging?

• A. Stanchions
• B. Stay
• C. Spreader
• D. Starboard

Answer: (B)

In sailing, the fixed wires that hold the mast in place are called the standing rigging. A wire that provides fore-and-aft support to the mast is a stay. There are stays running to the bow (forestay) and to the stern (backstay), both under constant tension to keep the mast upright and correctly aligned. Stays are distinguished from running rigging (lines used to adjust sails) and from other components: stanchions are posts for lifelines, spreaders are rigid pieces that spread the shrouds, and starboard is simply the boat’s right-hand side.

In sailing, the fixed wires that hold the mast in place are called the standing rigging. A wire that provides fore-and-aft support to the mast is a stay. There are stays running to the bow (forestay) and to the stern (backstay), both under constant tension to keep the mast upright and correctly aligned. Stays are distinguished from running rigging (lines used to adjust sails) and from other components: stanchions are posts for lifelines, spreaders are rigid pieces that spread the shrouds, and starboard is simply the boat’s right-hand side.