Guy (Rigging)

A line used to control or brace the position of a spar, pole or other movable item.

In conventional spinnaker handling, the afterguy controls the outboard end of the spinnaker pole and works with a foreguy or downhaul and the sheet. Terminology varies between rigs and regions, and on some systems the two working lines exchange sheet and guy functions during a gybe.

A guy is running rigging and should not be confused with the stays and shrouds that form a yacht’s standing rigging. Guys can carry high and rapidly changing loads, so their leads, fittings and bights must be kept clear and controlled.