Forestay

Standing rigging leading forward from a mast to support it against aft-directed loads.

A forestay may lead from the masthead or a fractional attachment to the bow, stem fitting or bowsprit. A headsail can be hanked to it, set in a foil around it or carried on a separate inner stay, so sail attachment is common but not universal.

Forestay tension affects mast support and headsail luff shape and is established by the complete standing-rigging system rather than by the stay alone. Wire terminals, synthetic stays, furling foils, pins and deck attachments require inspection because failure can threaten the mast.