Crosstrees

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Crosstrees are the two horizontal struts at the upper ends of the topmasts of sailboats, used to anchor the shrouds from the topgallant mast. Similarly, they may be mounted at the upper end of the topgallant to anchor the shrouds from the royal mast (if fitted).

See tops for the description of their purpose. On modern rigs the same function is provided by spreaders.