Shroud (sailing)

Shrouds terminate at their bottom ends at the chain plates, which are tied into the hull.

They are sometimes held outboard by channels, a ledge that keeps the shrouds clear of the gunwales.

[1][2] Shrouds are attached symmetrically on both the port and starboard sides.

On most sailing boats, such structures are called spreaders, and the shrouds they hold continue down to the deck.

On large sailing ships, however, particularly square-riggers, the shrouds end at the projections (called tops or crosstrees) and their loads are carried into the mast slightly further down by futtock shrouds.