Question 53 Deck General

The correct answer is C) Stays. Stays are part of the standing rigging of a sailing vessel. Standing rigging refers to the fixed ropes, wires, or cables that support the mast and other fixed components of the vessel's structure. Stays, in particular, are the ropes or wires that run from the top of the mast to the deck or hull, providing crucial structural support. The other options are incorrect because they refer to parts of the running rigging, which includes the movable ropes and lines used to control the sails and other components. Sheets are the ropes that control the sails, downhauls are used to lower sails, and halyards are used to raise and lower sails.