Bowsprit Fairlead - what rigging uses this?

[AON]

I am trying to verify the number of running rigging lines from the Bowsprit/Jib Boom yards and sails that pass through the fairlead located on the bowsprit of a English 74 gun Man of War launched in 1786.

 

I have come to realize there were quite a number of changes (upgrades) in these ships during their life time and it has been a challenge when sources disagree due mainly to their date of reference.

Referencing the following sources: Rees's Naval Architecture (1819-20), Steel's Rigging Tables (1799), The Anatomy of Nelson's Ship's, The Masting and Rigging of English Ships of War (1625-1860), The Fully Framed Model (including the 3D renderings by Dennis Ranaric of Croatia for Admiralty Models), and the Rigging of Period Ships, I have narrowed it down to the twelve lines of which only two are clearly stated in Rees's to have done so.

 

Lines identified as possibly feeding through the Bowsprit Fairlead:

1.      Jib Staysail (In) Down Hauler (1); 7/8" dia.; secures at Forecastle Timberhead #6

2.      Jib Staysail Out Hauler (1); 1-1/4" dia.; secures at Forecastle Timberhead #5

3.      Fore Topmast Staysail Down Hauler (1); 7/8" dia.; secures at *Forecastle Timberhead #3 ?

4.      Fore Staysail Down Hauler (1); 7/8" dia.; secures at *Forecastle Timberhead #4 ?

5.      Spritsail Topsail Yard Halyard (1); 7/8" dia.; belays to a rack over the bowsprit (REES pg 92)

6.      Spritsail Yard Halyard (1); 1" dia.;

7.      Spritsail Topsail Lift/Sheet (1 - port); 7/8" dia.;  secures at Forecastle Timberhead #1

8.      Spritsail Topsail Lift/Sheet (1 - starboard); 7/8" dia.; secures at Forecastle Timberhead #8

9.      Spritsail Lift (1 - port); 1" dia.; secures at Forecastle Timberhead #2

10.   Spritsail Lift (1 - starboard); 1" dia.; secures at Forecastle Timberhead #7

11.   Spritsail Topsail Clew Line (1 - port); 5/8" dia.;

12.   Spritsail Topsail Clew Line (1 - starboard); 5/8" dia.;

*Forecastle Timberhead locations 3 and 4 available as listed for Flying Jib Out/In Haulers

 

I was hoping someone in the forum may have "hoed this row" and so might be able to help confirm my list as I have seen builds with eight, ten, and twelve holes, but no source I've found adequately describes the fairlead nor the rigging lines that utilize it to keep those lines from fouling.

 

Thank you in advance.

[AON]

for anyone that reads this in the future, after looking at conventional models on the RMG  website, and having found one 74gun 3rd rate English MOW date 1760 that I could see some detail of the fairlead, I had decided yesterday to go with  nine holes, and use all but the top hole located at 12:00 for each of the lines that tie off at the forecastle timberheads.

 

the top hole would be left empty, as a spare, and this would provide a wide clear walkway up and down the bowsprit.

 

I've mapped out all the standing and running rigging for the bowsprit/jib boom, spritsail and spritsail top sail for my build and posted them as a PDF in my build dated yesterday, posts 1044 an 1046.