the brig’s foremast is smaller than the main mast. the fore mast holds a foresail, fore topsail, fore top gallant sail, and fore royal. between the fore mast and the bowsprit are the fore staysail, jib, and flying jib. all the yards are manipulated by a complicated arrangement of cordage named the running rigging. this is opposed to the standing rigging which is fixed, and keeps mast and other objects rigid. traditionally the running rigging was easily recognized. this was because, for flexibility, it was not coated with tar and therefore of a lighter color. the standing rigging was tarred for protection from weather and therefore darker or even black in color.