A fairlead is a device to guide a line, rope or cable around an object, out of the way or to stop it from moving laterally. Typically a fairlead will be a ring or hook. The fairlead may be a separate piece of hardware, or it could be a hole in the structure. A fairlead can also be used to stop a straight run of line from vibrating or rubbing on an... Found on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairlead
A piece of hardware or equipment (such as a block) used for leading the jib sheets from the deck to the cockpit. They are located astern of the beam, on each side of the boat. Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/20645