parrel beads

The gunter is created by hoops or parrel beads which secure the gaff loosely to the mast in a vertical position.

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.

To keep the tack near the centerline of the boat, it may be attached to the forestay with a sliding collar (often riding over the furled jib on parrel beads, tacker or similar device) adjustable with a down haul, or tack line .

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.