Backstay

The backstay is at a sailing ship an attacking at mast top or mast top rope, usually made ​​of wire, which - mounted at the rear - prevents the mast tip over. The backstay against attacks - at the top of the mast, with modern constructions including usually short - the forestay, which secures the mast according backward.

In addition to this purpose, is trimmed by the voltage at one of the backstay 7/8-Rigg the shape of the main sail as arcuately moves by increasing the voltage of the backstay of the top of the mast and the aft center part of the pole to the front. When the sail " is bulbous " this means that the sail is too convex in the center area. By hauling ( margins) of the backstay can bend the mast so that the sail is trimmed flat and in front provides a better angle of attack. This allows a more acute angle to the wind, " more height " to run. Furthermore, reduced adverse heeling and the force generated by the sail, although reduced, but better aligned for the desired direction of travel " Close to the wind ". Besides, the voltage also eliminates the sag of the forestay with similar effects on the profile of the headsail. For courses less close to the wind ( and in port ) relaxes to the backstay in part, without giving up the mast supporting effect. Occasionally, a portion of the backstay is electrically isolated and is used as an antenna for radio equipment (boundary wave, short wave ).

To tighten and trim is a hydraulic, a spindle gear or tackle.

Stage and shrouds are also known as standing rigging.