Lines, Twines & Webbing

No one knows better than us that a rope is never just a rope. But to add to the confusion, when it comes to sail twine, a rope is rarely called a rope, either! In sailing terms, ‘lines’ of rope have very distinct roles in controlling the boat and each has its own name. These are:

• Running rig – Crucial to any sailboat, running rig encompasses all sail lines that move and are adjustable. The sail line responsible for pulling up the mainsail is called the halyard and the line that brings it back down is the downhaul.
• Standard rigging – The term used for all fixed sail lines, such as the ropes used to support the mast. Whilst traditional sailboats will often use rope, in some instances these lines are fixed using steel cable. They are referred to as either ‘shrouds’ or ‘stays’, with the line running from the mast to the bow called the forestay and the line to the stern called the backstay.
• Mooring – These are the ropes used for securing your vessel to a jetty or the harbour side and are referred to as dock lines or warps.

Durable, versatile and impressively strong, cam straps are an essential addition to your inventory. Great for toe straps, buoyancy bags and securing items to the deck, they ensure equipment stays safely stowed, preventing interference with important sail lines. At RopesDirect, we offer a colourful range of adjustable cam straps pre-fitted with a sturdy cam buckle, with different lengths denoted by the shade:  

• Yellow - 1.5m
• Red - 2m
• Blue - 2.5m
• Orange - 3.5m
• Green - 5m

Need a bespoke length? No problem – we sell webbing by the metre, too, in red and blue.

If you plan on setting sail safely, whipping sail twine is 100% necessary. Used to secure and strengthen rope ends, it prevents fraying and protects the rope’s structure and integrity. Used for splices and knots, this variety of sail twine can help to add extra strength whilst preventing slipping or unravelling.  Available in a wide range of colours, diameters and lengths, we have whipping twine for sail ropes of all diameters. Shop now for fast and efficient delivery to your door.