What do wires called "Stays" hold up on a sailboat?

Question

What do wires called "Stays" hold up on a sailboat?

Answer 1

Technically...  They don't actually "hold up" anything... What they do is keep the mast so it will "stay" in place.  It's purpose is to keep the mast from "whipping".  A properly "rigged" sailboat's "stays" will give the mast just the correct amount of "play" so as not to break the mast, or rip the sheets in a sudden strong gust of wind.  So it is important that the mast has "some amount of give" - but, not so much it whips.  So, this is the purpose of the stays.

Happy & Safe Boating!

Answer 2

The mast Stays are the heavy ropes, wires, or rods on sailing vessels that run from the masts to the hull, usually fore-and-aft along the centerline of the vessel. The stay that runs aft is called backstay and the stay that runs forward is called forestay or just stay.

Lines running from the mast to the side of the boat are usually called shrouds instead.

Answer 3

The mast