Riggningen

Riggningen is a nautical term used in Scandinavian languages to describe the rigging of a sailing vessel. It encompasses all lines, chains, ropes, and fittings that support masts and control sails, including the hardware involved in both standing and running rigging. The term is equivalent to the English word “the rigging.”

It distinguishes between standing rigging and running rigging. Standing rigging includes elements that stay in place to support the masts, such as shrouds and stays, often made of wire rope or strong fiber, with fittings like caps, eyebolts, deadeyes, or turnbuckles. Running rigging comprises the adjustable lines used to handle sails, such as halyards, sheets, braces, and reefing lines, along with blocks, cleats, and fairleads to control movement.

History and usage: Rigging evolved from simple lines on early ships to complex systems on sail-powered vessels. In traditional square-rigged ships, multiple riggings operate in concert; modern sailboats may use lighter materials and more advanced hardware. The term remains in nautical museums, training, and hobby sailing, where authentic handling and repair practices are studied.

Maintenance and safety: Regular inspection for wear, corrosion, chafing, and fraying is essential, with timely replacement of worn components. Proper lubrication, tensioning, and secure rigging practices are important for stability and sail performance. Large vessels often require professional inspection and servicing to ensure reliability at sea.

Etymology and regional use: The word appears in Swedish and Norwegian naval vocabulary and related terms exist in Danish and Icelandic. In English, the general term is “rigging.”