Jacob's ladder (nautical)
Encyclopedia
The term Jacob's ladder applies to a kind of ladder
found on some square rigged ships. To climb above the lower mast to the topmast
and above, sailors must get around the top
, a platform projecting from the mast. Although on many ships the only way round was the overhanging futtock shrouds
, modern-day tall ship
s often provide an easier vertical ladder from the ratlines
as well. This is the Jacob's ladder.
Ladder
A ladder is a vertical or inclined set of rungs or steps. There are two types: rigid ladders that can be leaned against a vertical surface such as a wall, and rope ladders that are hung from the top. The vertical members of a rigid ladder are called stringers or stiles . Rigid ladders are usually...
found on some square rigged ships. To climb above the lower mast to the topmast
Topmast
The masts of traditional sailing ships were not single spars, but were constructed of separate sections or masts, each with its own rigging. The topmast is one of these.The topmast is semi-permanently attached to the upper front of the lower mast, at the top...
and above, sailors must get around the top
Top (sailing ship)
On a traditional square rigged ship, the top is the platform at the upper end of each mast. This is not the masthead "crow's nest" of the popular imagination – above the mainmast is the main-topmast, main-topgallant-mast and main-royal-mast, so that the top is actually about 1/4 to 1/3 of the way...
, a platform projecting from the mast. Although on many ships the only way round was the overhanging futtock shrouds
Futtock shrouds
Futtock shrouds are rope, wire or chain links in the rigging of a traditional square rigged ship. They run from the outer edges of a top downwards and inwards to a point on the mast or lower shrouds, and carry the load of the shrouds that rise from the edge of the top...
, modern-day tall ship
Tall ship
A tall ship is a large, traditionally-rigged sailing vessel. Popular modern tall ship rigs include topsail schooners, brigantines, brigs and barques. "Tall Ship" can also be defined more specifically by an organization, such as for a race or festival....
s often provide an easier vertical ladder from the ratlines
Ratlines
Ratlines, pronounced "rattlin's", are lengths of thin line tied between the shrouds of a sailing ship to form a ladder. Found on all square rigged ships, whose crews must go aloft to stow the square sails, they also appear on larger fore-and-aft rigged vessels to aid in repairs aloft or conduct a...
as well. This is the Jacob's ladder.