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A Deeper Look at Top Down/ Spinnaker Furlers

ByThe Rigging Company

Top down furling is the new revolution that makes flying the big sails a much more achievable task. However, nothing is just push a button and ‘bang’ there’s your spinnaker. Although this system makes it much more viable to fly a spinnaker there is still a learning curve. This system is all about set up…

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Hood SL Foresail Furlers

ByThe Rigging Company

When shopping for headsail furlers one can find a wide variety manufacturers such as: Pro Furl, Facnor, Harken, Hood, Bamar, Schaefer, Reckmann, Reefit, CDI; as well as a wide variety of prices. So where does quality and low pricing find a happy marriage? How can one possibly make a decision that’s worthwhile with all of…

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The Integral Backstay Adjuster

ByThe Rigging Company

Integral backstay adjusters can play a big role in how a boat sails. Being able to adjust the backstay tension from the pump of a handle can be useful on cruisers just as much as racers. We all need to make general changes to the boats trim depending on wind and wave conditions in order…

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Da Vinci’s Orinthopter

ByThe Rigging Company

‘Just a quick blurb on some art that we were privileged enough to be part of. The model of da Vinci’s Orinthopter was recently moved from the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum, re-cabled by Jim Donaghy (thanks for the mention), and moved to the Center for Strategic & International Studies in John Hamre Commons. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHHWhUzHZsE&w=560&h=315]  …

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Reeving Halyards

ByThe Rigging Company

Some people are daunted by the task of attempting to run-in or reeve new lines which run internally or cannot be easily accessed. Halyards for instance present the problem of, “how do I get the old one out and the new one in?”. Let’s address some technicalities first… ~Not all eye splices are created equally….

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The Dreaded Halyard Swivel!

ByThe Rigging Company

~You may find that I am poking a bit with this one. Perhaps the British might call it “a bit cheeky”, but I assure you it is all in good fun… THE HALYARD SWIVEL I just wanted to take a minute and chime-in on the “halyard swivel phenomenon” that has (apparently) taken the sailing world by storm. I…

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It’s a New Year…

ByThe Rigging Company

at … …and we have recently moved to a new location!! That’s right, we’ve moved, but don’t worry, we’re not far. Actually, we are now even closer to you than before ;-0). The new location is still within the same complex as always, BUT you can now see us from the road (Edgewood Rd.). The Annapolis Maritime…

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Inspecting Your Mast and Rigging

ByThe Rigging Company

Your sailboat rigging should be thoroughly checked once a season. The best way to do this is by pulling the mast or masts out of the boat and running down a check list. One can also spot most major problems from a bosun’s chair, and if done regularly, is generally more cost effective. It is…

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Spar Finishes

ByThe Rigging Company

Today’s spars are usually made of composite carbon fiber or aluminum extrusions. Both of these mast materials, just like old wooden masts, require a finish. Whereas wooden masts were typically coated with a clear varnish, they could also be found painted. These more traditional finishes were typically brush applied or rolled and tipped. Spray finishes became…

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Views From Aloft

ByThe Rigging Company

A beautiful day in Friendship, Maryland Click the image for a better view! We went aloft on this completely re-rigged Beneteau 411 to cover tang holes. The birds were making their way-in and building a nest. Who wouldn’t, those are some big holes that make a great front door. “Come on in” We used black…