bee
Any of the pieces of hard wood bolted to the sides of the bowsprit, to reeve the fore-topmast stays through.
bee: wooden cheek block on the bowsprit
A bee is a reinforced timber block bolted to either side of a ship's bowsprit, positioned forward of the stem. It serves as a fixed cheek or fairlead through which the fore-topmast stays are rove, keeping the lines clear of the bowsprit proper and distributing the lateral strain of those stays across a wider, reinforced section of the spar. Without bees, the stays would cut into the bowsprit or chafe badly under the constant tension of supporting the fore-topmast.
Bees are typically made from hardwood, often elm or oak, and measure roughly 12 to 18 inches in length depending on the ship's size. They are bolted through the bowsprit with iron bolts, usually at least two per bee to handle the concentrated loads. The through-bolts are secured with riveted or turned nuts and washers to prevent loosening from the constant working of the spar.
The fore-topmast stays, which prevent the fore-topmast from raking aft, are threaded (rove) through holes or slots in the bees rather than being attached directly to the bowsprit. This arrangement allows the stays to be set at the correct angle and angle without the lines interfering with running rigging or the stem head. On larger vessels, the bees may be fitted with deadeyes or blocks to further distribute the load.
Bees take their name from the resemblance of the paired timbers, when viewed from ahead, to a bee in flight with wings extended. The term appears in English naval architecture texts from the 17th century onward. They are distinct from the bobstays or martingales that support the bowsprit from below, and from the cat-heads used to haul anchors aboard.
Deterioration of bees is a common and serious problem in wooden ships, since they are exposed to constant salt-water spray and the flexing of the bowsprit under sail. Cracks, rot, and splitting can render them unfit without replacement, and a failed bee can allow the fore-topmast stays to slip or fray, compromising the stability of the mast. During refitting, bees are among the first items inspected and are often replaced as preventive maintenance.