Rigging Note

Dongfeng Troubles

With the usual suspects, Team Brunel, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, Donfeng Racing, atop the leader board; the Chinese team lost a halyard. This snag led to a night time trip aloft (eeeek!) and a position loss....
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Rigging Note

Clear to Tack?

What are the options when considering a boat that tacks its own sails from one point-of-sail to another. Newer boats are being designed a bit more mast forward, with taller masts and bigger mainsails. These newer...
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Rigging Note

Servicing The Chain Plates

The chainplate is typically a metal plate used to fasten a stay to the boat. One end of the chainplate has a hole for the pin of the turnbuckle, the remainder of the chainplate is used...
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Rigging Note

The Crowhurst Scandal

Here is a really unique story that has surely left an everlasting impression in yachting history... In October 1968 the Sunday Times sponsored the worlds first single handed around the world race, The Sunday Times...
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Rigging Note

Boom Brakes and Preventers

When sailing down wind we eventually may find ourselves having to perform the dreaded gybe.  Depending on conditions and wind strengths, this can be relatively painless or really scary. A violent gybe, which causes the boom...
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Rigging Note

Anchors Aweigh

Sometimes in sailboat racing the guy that deploys the anchor first, pulls into the lead. Winds have been light and variable for most of this leg, as expected. However, the teams are nearing the final...
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Rigging Note

Mast Step And Deck Collar

New Mast Step So you have taken the mast out to get some work done or you are simply storing the boat for the winter? Well, now is the time to...
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Rigging Note

Garcia Yachts

I have always fancied the exploration designed yachts. They just scream heavy duty and robust, which I like for anything I'm going to be sailing around the world. Aluminum has been the choice material for...
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Rigging Note

Synthetic VS. Vinyl Coated VS. Un-coated Stainless Steel Lifelines

Many people these days are looking towards synthetics or to un-coated stainless steel to replace their lifelines over the traditional vinyl coated lifelines of the past. First, let's talk a little bit about the cons...
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Rigging Note

Views from Aloft

What a better way then to end the year with one of our last trips aloft for 2014? This was taken early November and was one of the last views from aloft for the year....
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