Forestay

On a sailing vessel, a forestay, sometimes called a jibstay, or a headstay, is a piece of standing rigging. It keeps a mast from falling backwards.  It is usually attached to the very top of the mast. The other end of the forestay is attached to the bow of the boat.  

Often a sail is attached to the forestay.  This sail may be a jib or a genoa.  In a cutter rig, the jib or jibs are flown from stays in front of the forestay, perhaps going from the masthead to a bowsprit.  The sail on the forestay is then referred to as the staysail. A forestay might be made from stainless steel wire or rod.

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Category:Sailing