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Abelaying pin is a solid metal or wooden device used on traditionally rigged sailing vessels to secure lines ofrunning rigging. Largely replaced on most modern vessels bycleats, they are still used, particularly onsquare rigged ships.[1]
A belaying pin is composed of a round handle and cylindrical shaft. The shaft is inserted into a hole in various strategically located woodenpinrails (lining the inside of thebulwarks, surrounding the base of masts, or free-standing, calledfife rails) up to the base of the handle. A line is then led under and behind the base of the pin then round the top in a Figure-8 pattern till at least fourturns are complete.
Excess line is coiled and stored neatly by taking abight from the upper part of the final strand, looping it over and round beneath the coil, then twisting it once or more before slipping the twisted end over the top of the belaying pin to secure the coil in place.
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