Which consequence results when rigging pre-19th century square-rigged naval ship experiences cumulative salt spray and rainwater?

💡 Explanation

When rigging undergoes prolonged exposure to salt spray, combined with rainwater penetration, hydrolysis accelerates fiber decay because absorbed salts lower the threshold of breakdown, which weakens its structure. Therefore rope fiber decay results, rather than sailcloth tearing, hull disintegration, or fitting corrosion, which arise from alternative mechanisms or conditions.

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