Rope handling is one of those esoteric skills - we all know a bit about it.  I
have the luxury of working with three strand rope a lot on tall ships:

http://www.chilterntimber.co.uk/product/decking-rope-grade-1-3-strand-
polyhemp-rope-per-5-metre-roll/">http://www.chilterntimber.co.uk/product
/decking-rope-grade-1-3-strand-polyhemp-rope-per-5-metre-roll/ <http://www.chilterntimber.co.uk/product/decking-rope-grade-1-3-strand-
polyhemp-rope-per-5-metre-roll/">http://www.chilterntimber.co.uk/product
/decking-rope-grade-1-3-strand-polyhemp-rope-per-5-metre-roll/>

The rope they mostly use is a Polyester/Dacron blend that has less stretch than
natural fibers have, and lasts 15 or so years in marine use, as opposed to 2-4
for natural fiber - plus the Coast Guard won't certify for passengers with
natural fiber.  This type of rope has excellent handling qualities - just a few
tricks to learn about coiling and so forth and it performs very well.

Modern braided rope:

http://www.sailrite.com/Double-Braid-Nylon-Line-1-25mm-
White">http://www.sailrite.com/Double-Braid-Nylon-Line-1-25mm-White <http://www.sailrite.com/Double-Braid-Nylon-Line-1-25mm-
White">http://www.sailrite.com/Double-Braid-Nylon-Line-1-25mm-White>

can have less stretch (or more if you want it) and will spin the tackle less
than 3 strand, but it is harder to handle, splice, whip, and coil.  It is used
on modern yachts more than 3 strand.  It is also more expensive.  The heavier
the item, the more it will want to spin once it is in the air, so a guy line may
be a fact of life.

Ed Minch