Period Rigging

In centuries past, a ship's rigging was typically fashioned from rope. In the 19th century this was commonly referred to as Manila. Manila rope is very durable, flexible, and resistant to salt water damage, allowing its use in rope, hawsers, ships' lines, and fishing nets.

Standing rigging generally refers to lines which are more or less fixed in position while the boat is under sail. Standing rigging was treated with a dark brown pine tar derivative if available or galley grease that acted as a preservative.

Running rigging, which represents elements of rigging that move and change fairly often while under sail was generally not coated in order to maintain flexibility

In centuries past, a ship's rigging was typically fashioned from rope. In the 19th century this was commonly referred to as Manila. Manila rope is very durable, flexible, and resistant to salt water damage, allowing its use in rope, hawsers, ships' lines, and fishing nets.