A single whip consists of which arrangement?

• A. One single-sheave block fixed to a support with a rope passing over the sheave
• B. Two single-sheave blocks with rope running through both sheaves
• C. A rope fixed to the deck with no block
• D. Two blocks connected without a rope

Answer: (A)

A single whip is about redirecting the pull with a fixed pulley. The setup uses one single-sheave block that is attached to a solid support, and the rope runs over that wheel. This arrangement changes the direction of the force you apply, but it does not multiply the force you exert. The load on the other end of the rope is essentially equal to your effort (minus friction).

The other options would not match a single whip: using two blocks with the rope threaded through both creates a system with mechanical advantage and is a different pulley configuration; a rope fixed to the deck with no block provides no change in direction; and two blocks connected without a rope isn’t a usable rigging setup.