The
UPPER YARDS about 1800 and earlier (topsail, topgallant, royal, etc.)
were raised and lowered by means of halliards and rode on parrals which
held them to the mast Fig. 56C. On large warships the topsail halliard
was formed by large blocks called TYES attached each side of the mast
head and leading down on deck. The yard would still hold up if one side
was damaged. Fig. 56E.
The topgallant halliard was a thick rope from the center of the yard
leading through a sheave in the masthead and then to the deck with a
tackle. Fig. 56F. Fig. 56G is a simplified arrangement for lower yards
on small ships with the slings, jeers, and halliards combined. A rope
truss is fitted as before.
UPPER YARDS from about 185'0 onwards were raised and lowered by single
halliards attached to an iron band at the center of the yard. Iron
bands, incidentally, for attaching rigging were introduced early in the
19th century, although plain strengthening bands were in use before
this. The topsail and
topgallant HALLIARDS were chains shackled to the middle band and led
through sheaves at the mast head just under the trestle trees, etc. The
chains led down' behind the mast a short distance and then were
attached to rope tackle leading to the waterways, alternating for each
yard port or starboard. Fig. 58.
After the introduction of double topsails the halliards usually had an
iron gin block on the end of the chain tye and the lower halliard was
fixed on one side of the deck, led over the gin block and down to a
purchase on the other side of the deck. The parrals were formed by
wooden yokes in the aft side of the yard to which were fitted hinged
iron half hoops. Large ships fitted leather lined iron tubs in halves
and well greased, Fig. 57D.
