Sailing Reference

Lines and Controls

The working lines, fittings, and adjustment systems used while sailing or docking.

Level: foundation
Read time: 6 min
Sources: 1

Lines and Controls shown as a compact visual reference.

Knowledge category

Lines and Controls: facts

A rope becomes a line when it has a job onboard.
Halyards raise or tension sails; sheets trim sails in and out.
Control lines change sail shape, boom position, or sail area.
Loaded lines can injure hands and damage gear; winches and cleats must be used deliberately.

Line Jobs

Halyard

Line used to raise, lower, or tension a sail.

Sheet

Line used to trim a sail angle.

Traveller / Vang

Controls that change mainsail angle, twist, or boom position.

Dock line / Spring line

Lines used to hold the boat at a dock or control fore-and-aft movement.

Lines and Controls terms

Each link opens the exact terminology entry with a definition, example, aliases, and related terms.

CleatA fitting used to secure a line.CunninghamA control that tensions the luff of the mainsail.Dock lineA line used to secure a boat to a dock or berth.LineRope with a specific job onboard.OuthaulA control that tensions the foot of the mainsail along the boom.PainterA line attached to the bow of a dinghy or small boat.PreventerA line rigged to reduce the risk of an accidental boom gybe.Spring lineA dock line led diagonally to prevent the boat moving forward or aft.Topping liftA line or support that holds the boom up when the mainsail is not carrying it.TravellerA track and car system that adjusts the mainsheet attachment point.VangA control that pulls the boom downward and controls mainsail twist.WinchA mechanical drum that gives purchase for trimming loaded lines.

References

Sources and Method Notes

Boatpedia reference

Boatpedia terminology reference

Marine vocabulary reference for definitions, aliases, examples, and related terms.