Topping Lift

A line or wire supporting or controlling the height of a boom, yard or pole.

A mainsail topping lift supports the boom when the sail and halyard do not and may be eased once the sail carries the load. A spinnaker-pole topping lift controls the pole’s vertical position together with a foreguy or downhaul; the two uses have different geometry and loads.

The line, masthead sheave, pole or boom attachment and cleat must suit the expected load. A lightly built sail-control topping lift should not be assumed capable of supporting a person or a heavily loaded boom during maintenance.