Sailing Ships require miles of different types of cordage for the standing and running rigging as well as other uses.
Standing rigging refers to lines and wires which more or less stay in place and are used to provide tension to masts, spars and bowsprit and brace loads caused by sails.
Running rigging refers to lines which move or change position often while as ship is under sail.
Every ship carries spare cordage in the event a replacement is needed.