Parrel beads (also spelled parral or parrell) are an element of sailing rigging, usually deployed at the jaws of a gaff on a gaff rigged or gunter rigged craft, or on the tack of a spinnaker rigged over a furled jib.

Construction

A set of parrel beads is formed from small balls, size depending on the application, threaded on a piece of small line and secured with a stopper knot at each end.

Use

One end of the line is usually permanently bent to the movable item. When in use the movable item is positioned where it is required, and the free end of the parrel bead line is passed around the static item and secured back to the movable item. Their function is to secure the movable item in place, but to allow it to move along and around the device.

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