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Harken Travelers

Harken dominates the sailboat parts market in many areas. Travelers are no exception. Don’t think for a minute that this product is only for racers, it is for cruisers too!  There is nothing more frustrating than not being able to move the traveler while under load (what’s the point of having one otherwise?). Of course there…

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The Highfield Lever

The Highfield lever was originally invented by the late Mr J. S. Highfield in about 1930. I believe this concept was initially intended to load and release running backstays at a predesignated tension. This method for runner tensioning has since been replaced with ‘high speed’ synthetics, fancy blocks, tackles, and/or dedicated winches. Some years later,…

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Pin and Tape……

…….A term regularly used here at The Rigging Company. Yet this small detail appears to elude most, at least when it comes to doing it correctly. I always say, “details are what make the difference between a professional job and one that is well, not so professional”. If you take notice as to how your…

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Cleats

In today’s sailboat hardware market we will find 3 primary types of cleats. Cam Cleats, Clam Cleats, and Horn Cleats. The clam cleat is almost obsolete in today’s sailboat technology. The main problem with them is that they are difficult to secure and easy to un-cleat. The clam cleat comes in handy in maybe only a…

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Stanchion Bases

Stanchion bases are an often forgotten about, yet important, portion of our boat. They are responsible for giving our boat’s lifelines ‘a foot to stand on’ – so to speak. Unfortunately, stanchion bases are also a major reason for soft decks. We (at The Rigging Co.) tend to think this is because of the long fulcrum that is naturally created by the…

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Choosing the Right Rope for Your Sailboat

Deciding what rope to buy for a specific application can be a bit complicated. Only because there are so many different manufacturers, products, and not to mention the vast array of terms associated with rope. Let’s try and simplify this process a bit. For the sake of keeping this short and sweet we’ll narrow it…

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Vitters Carbon #whatayacht

Vitters Shipyard does it again. “Sarissa” a 42.6 m (140.58′) carbon fiber spectacle, is the largest carbon sloop built in the Netherlands, maybe even in the world, to date. Check out the Vitters Shipyard YouTube feed for more super yacht footage. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POFjB0mIaBc&w=560&h=315] This design oozes modern style, remarkable speed (it cruises at 11 knots) and offers…

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One Boat Closer….V.O.R.

I can hardly wait any longer for this race to kick off. Since hydro-foiling catamaran’s with fixed wings are still not safe to sail around the world, the Volvo Ocean 65 will have to do ;-0) Although it does look like they have integrated the wave piercing bow into the design……. These boats are obviously…

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Oh to Dream

Sometimes it nice just to see what the world’s financially elite are up to. Apparently being an architect pays well… Behold the beautiful 44.7m (147ft) lift keel sloop “Lady B”. Built and launched by Vitters Shipyard who design some pretty incredible boats. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86aVYZMZuxA&w=560&h=315] “Lady B” is a sleek performance yacht with the ever-sought-after low-slung lines of…

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The Elan 400

This is one of the nicer, well thought out cruiser/racers on the sailboat market. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJ9SbLAa7U4&w=560&h=315] Lots of things to like here; all of the neat little compartments(especially for the companion way halyard jumble), cockpit ‘pop-up table’, the fold swim platform, and of course the slick below deck headsail furler. Could loose the sail pack…