If you are getting ready to head out on your first RYA course or sailing trip then it is handy to know some basic sailing terminology. One thing that beginners should learn is the names of the ropes/lines. Generally a rope is not called a rope!
Let us explain… on board a sailing yacht, rope is the term used to describe the material used to make the lines. If a length of rope has a set purpose, for example adjusting the sails, it is called a line. Each separate line will have its own special name to describe the job it does.
Learning the Ropes (or the lines!)
Running Rig
The running rig is all the moveable lines that are used to pull up and/or adjust the sails. The line that runs up the mast to pull up the mainsail is called the halyard. The line to bring the sail back down the mast is called the downhaul. Easy, right?!
Each sail will have lines that control it when sailing. These are called sheets and the name of the sheet will refer to the sail it controls. If you need to trim the mainsail, you will use the mainsheet. When you need to trim the jib, you will adjust the jibsheet. There is always an exception to the rule… other lines used for sail trimming are called the cunningham or the kicker.
Standing Rigging
As the running rigging describes all the moveable lines, the standing rigging refers to all the lines that support the stationary objects, such as the mast. These are normally constructed from steel cables, not from rope. They are called either shrouds or stays.
For example, the cable that runs from the mast to the bow of the boat is called the forestay. The cables that run to the stern of the boat are called backstays.
Mooring Up
You may hear your instructor or the skipper giving instructions to the crew as you prepare to moor alongside a jetty or pontoon. He will call the lines used in this procedure either docklines or warps. A springline is a combination of lines that prevent the fore and aft movement of a boat tied alongside a pontoon.
So when is a rope called a rope? The bell rope is used to ring a ships bell! The most important thing is learn which line performs which duty – don’t worry you will soon pick up the sailing terminology!