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How to Service Your Winches

Some winches are more difficult to service than others. If you do not know what to expect, certain parts, depending on manufacturer, can come sliding out at inopportune times and jump overboard! I happen to know this from personal experience and if you are really unlucky (like I was) then it may be a part from a vintage…

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The World’s Largest Mast….

…was stepped last month at the Perini Navi Yard in Italy.  Just look at the size of the masthead! [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pEsuYH-Dt4&w=560&h=315]   This incredible carbon fiber wonder measures just over 250′ and weighs in at just over 16 metric tons…pretty light considering. The furling boom provided by Future Fibres could be its own sailing yacht…

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Not all T Terminals are Created Equal……

‘T’ Terminals, ‘T’ Balls, Gibb Hooks, Shroud Terminals, and Lollipop Fittings are just some of the nicknames for these special fittings. I would just like to take a minute to address the different terms associated with these fittings; their uses and misuses. It appears that many boats in today’s sailboat market use these types of…

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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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The Boss Mast Dive

Hugo Boss is making waves with Alex Thomson’s new YouTube commercial. Check out his latest antics below. Shame about the nice suit… [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4loB_UGxw8&w=560&h=315] Also if you haven’t seen his keel walk, it’s worth a look. ~enjoy the day!

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Team Groupama Dismasted!

In typical Extreme Sailing Series fashion, Act 1 kicks off with no shortage of collisions and wipeouts. The race took place in Singapore Harbor last weekend. Day 3 delivered possibly one of the event’s most dramatic moments in its eight-year history. The home Team Aberdeen Singapore caught a huge gust near the finish line and plowed…

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The Old Volvo Ocean Race

With the new boats launching and the teams preparing for this year’s Volvo Ocean Race, let us take a look back, way back to the race’s debut, 1973. The Whitbread Round the World Race Digitally Remastered, Episode 1/3. Brought to you by Sailing News TV. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBPMTu733-g&w=560&h=315] It seems that this race was a bit…

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Classic Lines, Modern Comforts, and…

…easy to handle. The Tofinou 12 is hard to be outdone as far looks and ease of sail handling are concerned. I really like the sort of “Dragon-ish” foredeck design which puts the headstay several feet in from the very point of the boat. This allows the asymmetrical spinnaker to be flown via an internal tack…