Stays or shrouds
 

I saw a catamaran the other day with two wires coming from the top of the mast, one on each side, to the chainplates which hold the aft lowers. There was no backstay.
Are these two wires shrouds or stays?

Shrouds, probably
 

Welcome to the forum. Generally shrouds run from the mast to the sides of the boat. Stays run fore and aft (forestay and backstay). Hopefully, someone with catamaran experience will have more specific information.

Best Wishes,

Mike

Wait, you're both right!
 

Hello,
Shrouds are stays, we just call them shrouds because the lateral stays on old-time boats, especially when festooned with ratlines, were thought to resemble garments for the mast (shroud meant garment, among other things).
As rigs evolve, we need to find our place in the lexicographical continuum, and it can be tough to decide which way to go. I favor backstay in this case, but could go either way.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss