Sail Control Lines

[BANYAN]

Hi all, I am seeking information on some of the sail control lines listed against the fore main course in the Rigging Warrant for HMCSS Victoria (1855) - Barque Rigged.

 

Along with the usual Bunt (+ bunt whips), leech lines and slab lines, there is a listing for 'Lace Lines' (fore course) - 17 fathoms of 1.75" hemp rope with 4 x 5" blocks (assumed to be two per each side of the sail), and 'Lead Lines' (main course) - 19 fathoms of 2" hemp rope with 4 x 5" blocks (assumed to be two per each side of the sail).  As these are listed with the other sail control lines I am assuming they are also control lines.  I am also assuming that the lines could be called one or the other (i.e. the same line but with different names).

 

I have looked high and low in all the usual rigging books (Lees, Harland, Kipping, Fincham, Nares, Luce etc) with no joy.  One thought was that perhaps these were spilling lines but the presence of the blocks sort of precludes this option?

 

Can an anyone shed any light on the purpose and rigging of these lines?

 

Many thanks

 

Pat

Edited Tuesday at 05:19 AM by BANYAN

[Jim Lad]

Pat, I've seen 'lace line' in the context of lacing a gaff sail to a mast, but surely your ship would have had robands? No idea about the lead lines, I'm afraid.

 

John

[BANYAN]

Thanks John, I agree - robands and not laced.

WRT to these lines I am starting to believe these were entry errors (misnamed) as no leech lines were listed in the Rigging Warrant, but they are clearly evident in most of the lithography (which has proven remarkably accurate).   The names start with a 'L" which is no real indicator  These lines are listed immediately after the bunt lines (and whips) and before the slab lines, I am seriously starting to think that these will have been the leech lines.

 

cheers

 

Pat

Edited Wednesday at 12:23 AM by BANYAN