Stays (nautical)

Stays are the heavy ropes, wires, or rods on sailing vessels that run from the masts to the hull, usually fore-and-aft along the centerline of the vessel. The stay that runs aft is called backstay and the stay that runs forward is called forestay or just stay. Lines running from the mast to the side of the boat are usually called shrouds instead.To miss stays is an unsuccessful attempt to tack.
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