A ship's rigging refers to the ladder-like rope that is attached from the Masts down to the outside edges of the deck.
The sternmost rigging pole on a ship is typically the mizzenmast. It is located at the aft or rear of the ship and is used to support the mizzen sail.
The rigging masts on a sailboat consist of several key components: the main mast, which is the tallest and supports the primary sails; the foremast, located towards the front of the ship; and the mizzen mast, found at the rear on some vessels. Additionally, rigging includes standing rigging, which supports the masts (such as shrouds and stays), and running rigging, which controls the sails (like halyards and sheets). Together, these elements help to stabilize the ship and optimize sail performance.
No sailing ship can sail directly into the wind. However by rigging the sails correctly the vessel can be made to sail more closely to the wind.
The "poop" deck on a ship is an elevated deck above the poop cabin, at the rear of a ship.
bow bilge stern deck mast sails keel rigging hull bulkhead
A ship's pole is commonly referred to as a "mast," which supports sails and rigging. Other important poles on a ship include the "boom," which extends the foot of a sail, and the "gaff," used to hold the top of a sail. Additionally, "stays" and "shrouds" are cables that help support the mast.
Bridge
The rigging on a ship is supported by (attached to) the masts, yards and spars.
The superstructure is the part of a ship above the main deck, carried by the ship but not responsible for keeping it afloat.
On a ship, the entire assembly including masts, yardarms, sails and ropes are collectively referred to as rigging. The ropes themselves are usually called cordage or lines.
The captain and crew, wheel, keel, hull, deck, masts, sails, anchors, cannons, signalling flags, and rigging are all very important parts of 'an old sailing ship'.