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Boat terminology

What does a halyard do?

Short answer

Hoists a sail up the mast

A halyard is a rope used to hoist (raise) a sail up the mast. The word comes from 'haul yard' — hauling up the yard (horizontal pole).

Sources and scope

Reviewed by Richard Moore on . This answer is scoped to united kingdom and general recreational seamanship; check the current chart, publication, local rules and official operational guidance before acting afloat.

Quick check

What does a halyard do?