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| Glossary of Spar Terms |
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Boom
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Gooseneck
Fitting that attaches the boom to the mast, enabling the boom to pivot freely in all directions.
Outhaul Cap
Fitting located at the end of a boom which facilitates tensioning the foot of the mainsail.
Sliding Gooseneck
A gooseneck that slides in a track on the mast, enabling the height of the boom to be adjusted relative to the deck.
Vang Plate
Fitting used to connect a boom vang to a boom or mast.
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Hardware
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Bail
Hardware generally used to attach a block to a mast or boom.
Chainplate
Strap used to attach standing rigging to the boat.
Deck Plate
Fitting used to attach standing rigging to the boat.
Eyestrap
Fitting used to attach blocks or rope to a mast or boom.
Gudgeon
Fitting attached to the stern of a boat, typically in pairs, used to mount the rudder to the boat.
Pintle
Fitting attached to the rudder, typically in pairs, used to mount the rudder to the boat.
Stemhead Fitting
Special chainplate used to attach a headstay or forestay to the boat.
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Mast
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Downhaul Cleat
Cleat fastened to a mast which facilitates adjusting the height of a sliding boom relative to the deck.
Hinged Step
A step mounted to hinge plates, which facilitates raising and lowering a mast.
Hound Assembly
Fitting used to connect a forestay and shrouds to a mast.
Mast Eye
Fitting attached to the forward edge of a mast, generally used to connect a spinnaker pole to a mast.
Masthead
Fitting located at the top of a mast having sheaves for halyards. On larger boats the masthead includes connectors for standing rigging.
Piggyback Step
A hinged step with castings on top and bottom hinge plates.
Sailfeed
Opening in the sail groove in a mast or boom used to feed sail rope or slides.
Sailfeed Gate / Stop
Fitting used to keep sail slides captive in a sail groove.
Spreaders
Struts attached to a mast and the shrouds that add support to the mast.
Step
Fitting used to secure a mast to the deck.
Step with Tenon
A step with a protrusion on the underside, which facilitates positioning on a deck.
Tabernacle
A deck-mounted fitting which facilitates convenient raising and lowering of a mast.
Tang
Fitting used to connect standing rigging to a mast.
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Running Rigging
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Boom Vang
Block and tackle system used to prevent the boom from lifting under pressure from wind in the mainsail.
Cunningham
Simple system incorporating rope and a cleat used to adjust the tension in the luff of a mainsail.
Halyard
The rope or wire used to hoist a sail.
Jib Sheets
The ropes used to adjust the jib.
Jiffy Reefing
Simple system incorporating rope, blocks and cleats, used to shorten a mainsail.
Mainsheet
The rope running through blocks (pulleys) that are attached to the boom and the boat and used to adjust the mainsail.
Shackle
Fitting used to connect a halyard or sheet to a sail.
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Standing Rigging
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Backstay
Wire that extends from the top of the mast to the stern of the boat.
Forestay
Wire that extends from a point below the top of the mast to the bow of the boat.
Fractional Rig
Rigging configuration typified by forestay and shroud attachment at a point below the top of the mast.
Headstay
Wire that extends from the top of the mast to the bow of the boat.
Masthead Rig
Rigging configuration typified by forestay and shroud attachment at the top of the mast.
Shroud Adjuster
Rigging fitting used to tension a shroud or stay by means of a series of holes and clevis pins.
Shrouds
Wires on port and starboard sides that support the mast.
Standing Rigging
System of wires that supports the mast in the upright position.
Turnbuckle
Rigging fitting used to tension a shroud or stay by means of threaded stud(s).
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