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Sprit topmast: a small mast set on the end of the bowsprit (discontinued after the early 18th century); not usually counted as a mast, however, when identifying a ship as "two-masted" or "three-masted" Fore-mast: the mast nearest the bow, or the mast forward of the main-mast. [3] As it is the furthest afore, it may be rigged to the bowsprit.
A full-rigged ship or fully rigged ship is a sailing vessel with a sail plan of three or more masts, all of them square-rigged. [1] Such a vessel is said to have a ship rig or be ship-rigged, with each mast stepped in three segments: lower, top, and topgallant. [2] [3] [4] Other large, multi-masted sailing vessels may be regarded as "ships ...
Ship or full-rigged ship Historically a sailing vessel with three or more full-rigged masts. "Ship" is now used for any large watercraft Ship of the line [of battle] A sailing warship generally of first, second or third rate, i.e., with 64 or more guns; until the mid eighteenth century fourth rates (50-60 guns) also served in the line of battle.
All masts have fore-and-aft sails. Schooner: fore-and-aft rigged sails, with two or more masts, the aftermost mast taller or equal to the height of the forward mast(s) All masts have square sails. Brig: two masts, square rigged (may have a spanker on the aftermost) Full-rigged ship: three or more masts, all of them square rigged
Rigging comprises the system of ropes, cables and chains, which support and control a sailing ship or sail boat's masts and sails. Standing rigging is the fixed rigging that supports masts including shrouds and stays. Running rigging is rigging which adjusts the position of the vessel's sails and spars including halyards, braces, sheets and ...
A mast may be referred to as a square rigged mast where square sails predominate – this would differentiate from other masts on the same vessel being fore-and-aft rigged, for example in a barque. Square sails are generally suspended from yards which, when at rest, are at right angles ("square") to the centre-line of the vessel.
The yard can rotate around the mast to allow the direction of the vessel to be changed relative to the wind. When running directly downwind the yards are 'squared' (pointing perpendicular to the ship's centre line and to the mast). As the ship is steered closer to the wind the yards are braced round using the braces.
A crow's nest is a structure in the upper part of the main mast of a ship or a structure that is used as a lookout point. On ships, this position ensured the widest field of view for lookouts to spot approaching hazards, other ships, or land by using the naked eye or optical devices such as telescopes or binoculars .