How complex was the rigging on sailing warships?
Short answerExtremely complex, requiring specialist personnel, dedicated plans, and careful coordination of many interdependent lines and spars.
NotesThe standing and running rigging of a sailing warship formed a highly complex mechanical system rather than a loose collection of ropes. Ships maintained specialist noncommissioned groups to manage it and carried plans devoted specifically to the rig. Comparing Mary Rose, Victory, and Warrior reveals how materials, sail plans, and auxiliary propulsion changed that system over centuries. Victory's current conservation work also shows why a complete physical rig is valuable for explaining how all of those components operated together.