Rig & sails
What does Running rigging mean?
Running rigging consists of lines and associated controls used to hoist, lower and adjust sails or movable spars.
Why it matters when choosing a sailboat
Halyards, sheets and reefing lines perform different jobs. Condition, sizing, routing and the suitability of blocks and clutches affect operation. A cockpit-led arrangement still needs to be tested with the actual crew and sails rather than judged from a photograph.
A practical example
A mainsail halyard raises the sail; the mainsheet helps control its angle and the boom.
A question to ask before buying
Do lines run freely under load, and are the ropes, blocks, clutches and winches in serviceable condition?
Related sailboat terms
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