However, check the material as many halyards are made of a high-modulus material such as Dyneema.  Polyester, from which most cruising sheets are made stretches more, dampening the shock of the forces caused by gusts or flogging lines which would otherwise be transmitted directly to the rig and sail thus lessening the risk of damage and helping to prolong their lives.  This is ideal for cruising but if your main activity is racing you might actually prefer to reduce stretch with high-modulus sheets so you can harness more speed and acceleration, accepting the reduction in longevity.  I use Dyneema for my halyards precisely because it's low-stretch and polyester for the sheets for that stretch.