In sailing, "rope" is generally referred to as lines once they have a specific purpose, as they are essential for rigging and controlling the vessel. Lines are divided into standing rigging (fixed support, like shrouds) and running rigging (movable ropes for sail handling), with common types including halyards (raising sails) and sheets (trimming sails).

Key Concepts:
Running Rigging: The ropes used to manage the sails, including halyards and sheets.

Standing Rigging: Cables that support the mast, usually made of wire, though sometimes included in general "rope" discussions.

Breaking Strain: The amount of tension a rope can handle before breaking.

Safe Working Load (SWL): The maximum load a rope should be used with, generally less than the breaking strain.

Common materials for modern sailing ropes are high-performance synthetic fibers such as Dyneema and Vectran, known for their strength and low stretch.