Glossary · Rig
Forestay
Also called: Étai, étai, stay, headstay, étai largable, inner forestay
The wire or rope holding the mast forward, on which the headsail is set.
The forestay runs from the upper mast to the bow. Racing boats often have several, at different heights, to carry headsails of different sizes. Forestay tension controls the depth of the headsail.