This enabled the helmsman to maintain control in heavy weather, when the rudder is under more stress and requires greater effort to handle,[1] and also to steer the vessel were the helm damaged or destroyed.
[2][3] Relieving tackle was also rigged on vessels going into battle, to assist in steering in case the helm was damaged or shot away.
When a storm threatened, or battle impended, the tackle would be affixed to the tiller, and hands assigned to man them.
[4] The term can also refer to lines or cables attached to a vessel that has been careened (laid over to one side for maintenance).
The lines passed under the hull and were secured to the opposite side, to keep the vessel from overturning further, and to aid in righting the ship when the work was finished.