fore topmast staysail

Shortly afterwards the fore topmast staysail was blown to bits.

By 1600 we were struggling to furl the main topmast staysail and fore topmast staysail in 46 knots.

Captain Gil Dippie had the crew set the fore topmast staysail, but unfortunately, the breeze was blowing in the wrong direction from where we were headed.

It seemed that the fore topmast staysail preventer had "snapped" due to the pressure being constantly exerted on it as the ship pounded into the waves.

After setting the main topmast staysail, fore topmast staysail and mizzen course on the afternoon of Sunday 10, we sailed easily under a full topsail breeze, the wind in the south.

As a result, the fore topmast staysail and mizzen course were handed in the pitch black darkness, the wind putting up a bit of a fight as the crew tried to drag the sails in.

The flagship did well enough, her fore topmast staysail set and the main lower topsail taken up goosewing-fashion, presenting a fan shape to the squalls, the remainer heavily lashed to prevent its chafing fully open.

The jibs, staysails between the first mast and the bowsprit were named (from inner to outer most) fore topmast staysail (or foretop stay), inner jib, outer jib and flying jib.

After sailing all night with the fore topmast staysail, fore, main and mizzen topsails, and main staysail, it was all action again on the morning of Wednesday 28 August as we wore ship at 0630.