Heel Rope

[piratepete007]

I am building the Euromodel schooner, Lyde, which has a bowsprit + jibboom (but no flying-jib). At the jibboom heel, there is a sheave and as good as the drawings are, I cannot determine the function of the heel rope that would pass through it.

 

Can anybody help me with an explanation ?

 

Pete

[BANYAN]

Hi Pete, according to the 'Nautical Dictionary' by A. Young - 1863  (pdf copies of this dictionary are available online)

A heel-rope is applied through the heel of anything, particularly that which is rove through a sheave at the heel of the jib-boom, or of the bowsprit, for the purpose of hauling it out.  The ropes which are used at the heels of topmasts and topgallant masts are termed mast-ropes.

 

I hope this clears it up?

 

cheers

 

Pat

[piratepete007]

Hi Pat,

Of course … had a mental block there for a moment but thanks for the correction of my thinking that all heel ropes were called 'heel ropes'. The term 'mast-ropes' is new to me so I will go back into my notes and make a few corrections. There is always something new to learn.

 

I will download that pdf so thanks for that as well.

 

Cheers,

Pete

[popeye2sea]

Another name for the heel ropes used on the top mast and topgallant is a "top rope"

 

Regards,

[jud]

Heel and Head ropes in use. 

[piratepete007]

Maybe I can see a 'foot rope' being used !

Pete