Whether you’re jetting off abroad or simply heading for a UK holiday hotspot, summer is the perfect time to explore the coastline on a boat or yacht. It’s a chance to take in the scenery, enjoy the sunshine, and have a little fun; however, if it’s your first time actually sailing the yacht by yourself, it can be a little bit of a learning curve. For safety reasons, you need to understand how the boat works and it’s vitally important that you know what each type of yacht rope is called and what is its purpose.
As a specialist supplier of ropes and chains, with over 60 years’ experience in the industry, RopesDirect demonstrate a wealth of knowledge and expertise when it comes to sailing and yacht ropes. Here we offer a comprehensive guide to this specialist type of rope and explore the different types, styles, and colours that we currently have on offer as part of our yacht, dinghy, and marine range.
Why are Yacht Ropes Not Just Called Yacht Ropes?
In the world of boats and sailing, rope is simply the name given to the raw materials that are used to make the lines. A line is just a rope with a purpose or use, thus contributing in some way towards the successful functioning and sailing of the yacht. Every single line that has a job to do on the boat has its own specific name and these lines can be separated into two distinct categories, including:
Running and Standing Rigging Lines
Running rigging is a term used to describe the system of ropes which control and adjust the sails of the yacht, including their position, shape, and orientation. The yacht rope or line that runs up the mast, thus pulling up the mainsail, is called the halyard; whereas the rope which brings the sail back down is called the downhaul. Once you have set sail across the sea, lines that are used to control the boat are called sheets and each sheet refers to the individual sail that it controls – for example, a mainsheet controls the mainsail, the jib sheet controls the triangular jib sail and so on.
Standing rigging refers to the second system of yacht ropes which support and stabilise the stationary objects of the boat, including the mast, and they are typically known as shrouds or stays. A rope which runs from the mast to the bow of the boat is called the forestay, whereas those which run from the mast to the stern of the boat are called backstays.
Here at RopesDirect, we currently offer an extensive range of yacht ropes that are suitable for use as both running and standing rigging lines. Take for example the Evolution Race 78 by Gottifredi Maffioli®. This is a high-performance yacht rope, with great strength, low stretch and the ability to successfully hold cleats. Currently available in 4mm thickness and cut to length by the metre, it is perfect for use as a halyard, downhaul, sheet, control line, kicker, backstay, ties, or lashings. We also stock 8-10mm Kingbraid, 7mm Evolution Sheet (in blue and red), 10mm Silvertech Dyneema Rope and Dyneema Compact Braid – all of which are suitable yacht ropes to create an effective rigging system.
Mooring Lines
After a day of sailing – catching the sun and enjoying the sea breeze – you will need a specialist collection of yacht ropes to safely and effectively moor the boat. Mooring ropes, or lines, are simply those which can be used to tie up a boat on the jetty or pontoon and they are typically referred to as dock lines or warps. Most seasoned sailors will also invest in high-quality fenders for use when mooring their boat. Fenders are, essentially, a bumper or buffer which prevents a boat from continuously knocking into the dock whilst moored. They help to avoid unnecessary damage and, as they are relatively lightweight, they will not compromise your boat’s ability to manoeuvre.
Once again, as part of our yacht and marine collection here at RopesDirect, we currently stock a wide range of yacht ropes that would be ideal for mooring. Take for example the 14mm Navy Blue Dockline. With its double braid construction, UV resistance, and stretchy nylon core, it is ideal for use in this particular capacity. Our multi-filament yacht ropes are another fantastic option, boasting features and properties that are particularly suited to mooring. Its three-strand polypropylene construction allows it to float easily on water and it is highly recommended for use as a mooring rope, fender rope, anchor line, and towing line.
Contact RopesDirect Today for Yacht Ropes
If you would like to find out more about the different types of rope required to successfully sail a boat, please feel free to get in touch! Our friendly team of staff demonstrate exceptional knowledge when it comes to rigging and mooring lines and they are always happy to help. They will answer any questions you may have, offering tailored advice and guidance and suggesting the best type of yacht rope to suit your requirements. As an exclusive online retailer, we are able to price all of our yacht ropes competitively and there is a wide range of different styles, colours and sizes to choose from.
So why not browse through our full yacht, dinghy and marine collection today?