The Collaborative International Dictionary
Rigging \Rig"ging\, n. Dress; tackle; especially (Naut.), the ropes, chains, etc., that support the masts and spars of a vessel, and serve as purchases for adjusting the sails, etc. See Illustr. of Ship and Sails.
Running rigging (Naut.), all those ropes used in bracing the yards, making and shortening sail, etc., such as braces, sheets, halyards, clew lines, and the like.
Standing rigging (Naut.), the shrouds and stays.
Wikipedia
Running rigging is the rigging of a sailing vessel that is used for raising, lowering and controlling the sails - as opposed to the standing rigging, which supports the mast and other spars.
Traditionally the running rigging was easily recognized since, for flexibility, it was not coated with tar and therefore of a lighter color than the standing rigging which was tarred for protection from weather and therefore darker or even black in color.
Usage examples of "running rigging".
Somehow, my newly organized mind had forgotten to get the running rigging, the ropes that controlled the sails, in place.