- published: 20 Aug 2013
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Rigging (from Anglo-Saxon wrigan or wringing, "to clothe") is the apparatus through which the force of the wind is used to propel sailboats and sailing ships forward. This includes masts, yards, sails, and cordage.
Rigging is the mechanical sailing apparatus attached to the hull in order to move the boat as a whole. This includes cordage (ropes attached to the spars and sails in order to manipulate their position and shape), sails (aerofoils, usually made of fabric, used to catch the wind), and spars (masts and other solid objects sails are attached to). Cordage is more usually the term for stocks of rope, yarn, or other types line in storage, before it has been put to some use in a vessel, whereafter is commonly referred to as the rigging. In this article, Rigging denotes the full set of cordage, sails and spars, except when it is part of another term (see running rigging and standing rigging).
Certain sail-plans are used for certain purposes according to their aerodynamic properties. All sailing vessels are classified according to their hull design and rigging.
(Traditional Czech Carol; English lyrics by Percy Dearmer)
Hush my baby, sweetly sleep
Do not cry
I will sing a lullaby
I will rock you, rock you, rock you
I will rock you, rock you, rock you
Feel my arms that keep you warm
Snuggling around your tiny form
Precious baby, sweetly sleep
Sleep in peace
Sleep in comfort, slumber deep
I will rock you, rock you, rock you
I will rock you, rock you, rock you
Close your eyes my darling one
'Til the new day has begun
I will rock you, rock you, rock you
I will rock you, rock you, rock you
Sleep in peace 'til day has come
Darling, darling, little one