headstay

The headstay, commonly called the forestay, is the forwardmost element of a sailing vessel's standing rigging. It runs from the bow or stem to the masthead and serves two main purposes: to provide forward support for the mast and to serve as the attachment point for the leading sail, the jib or genoa. When under sail, the forestay is in tension as the sail pulls on it.

On most monohulls, the headstay attaches to the mast via a terminal at the masthead and to the bow via a chainplate or stem fitting. Configurations vary: on yachts with a bowsprit, the headstay may connect to the end of the sprit, and some boats employ a split headstay system with an inner and outer stay to support different sails or to accommodate a roller furling headsail.

Materials and construction: Common headstays are stainless steel wire rope (1x19 or 7x19 construction) or solid stainless rod; diameters scale with boat size. End fittings include turnbuckles for tension adjustment, toggle pins, and fittings on the masthead and bow. Some boats use a roller-furling forestay that can be rolled away when not in use. Larger performance vessels may use carbon fiber or rod-headed stays for weight and stiffness advantages.

Maintenance and safety: Regular inspection for corrosion, wear at terminals, and fittings is essential. Check tension and ensure fittings and turnbuckles move freely without seizing. Protect against chafe where the stay passes through hardware, and replace the headstay if it shows excessive stretch, wear, or damage, to maintain mast stability and sail control.