Masts

Spars rising above the deck of a vessel perpendicularly, and which support the yards, booms, gaffs and sails. The lower masts extend from the keel, where they step, to a height above the upper deck, and are secured sideways by shrouds, and fore-and-aft by stays. (See Topmasts, Topgallant Masts, Royal Masts and Skysail Masts.) Masts are either whole or made.