Overview

A forestay, also called a jibstay or headstay, is a length of standing rigging that runs from a vessel's bow area to the mast to prevent the mast from falling aft. On a sailing vessel the forestay usually leads to the masthead or to a point partway up the mast in fractional rigs. Its tension and attachment points strongly influence mast rake and the fore-and-aft balance of the boat.

Function and parts

The forestay counteracts the pull of the backstay and shrouds. Typical components include an upper termination at the mast, a lower fitting at the bow or bowsprit, turnbuckles or hydraulic adjusters for tensioning, and often a luff or furling mechanism when a sail is hanked or reefed to it. It commonly fixes to the bow or a fitting on the stem; see the role of the bow in anchoring the lower end.

Materials and construction

Historically made from natural fiber rope then galvanized iron, modern forestays are most often made from stainless steel steel in either stranded wire form or as rod rigging for higher-performance yachts. Some boats use synthetic fiber leaders or composite standing rigging in specialized applications. Choice of material affects stretch, fatigue life, weight aloft and inspection needs.

Sails and rig types

A headsail such as a jib or genoa is typically set on the forestay; the terms sail, jib and genoa

  • On a sloop the forestay commonly carries the single foremost headsail.
  • On a cutter the inner staysail may be set on a stay inboard of the forestay while the outer jib uses the forestay or a bowsprit extension.

Practical considerations

Proper tensioning is vital for sail shape and mast support. Many boats use roller-furling systems fitted to the forestay for easy reefing and stowing of headsails. Inspecting the forestay for corrosion, broken strands, chafe and secure fittings is a routine safety task.

Notable distinctions

Unlike running rigging, which is adjusted frequently, the forestay is part of the standing rigging and is adjusted mainly for tuning. It works in concert with the backstay and side shrouds to form the triangulated support that keeps the mast upright and controls its bend characteristics.

Further reading and technical references are available from general rigging guides and manufacturer specifications: see resources on mast design and rig tuning at mast fundamentals and equipment suppliers linked under sailing vessel resources, or material choices discussed at stainless steel and wire suppliers.