yacht rigging hobart

About Rope Solutions

Rope Solutions was founded in 2007 to fill a need within the marine industry for a reliable and high-quality splicing service. From these simple beginnings, our capabilities have expanded, allowing us to take on many interesting and diverse projects. The current owners commenced in 2017 and have built the capability for rigging that we have today.

Meet The Owner

Chris “Ando” Anderson

Chris has 20 years’ experience working in the yacht rigging industry. He’s developed the skills and contacts to manage all facets of your boats rigging needs. Chris works closely with all the staff on a daily basis, to direct and support his team. Through this direction, he’s developed a strong team of riggers to service all areas of rigging. Through his contacts within the industry, he’s formed a strong relationship will various suppliers and industry experts. With this we can provide top products and services. Chris has almost 30 years’ experience in sailing. Dinghies, skiffs, sports boats, monohulls and multihulls….. are just some of the boats he’s had direct experience with.

Meet The Team

• Foil School
• Wing Foil Boards
• Wing Foiling Accessories
• SUP Paddles
• SUP Accessories
• Windsurfer LT
• Windsurfing Boards
• Windsurfing Sails
• Windsurfing Booms
• Windsurfing Masts
• Windsurfing Accessories
• Windsurfing Harnesses
• Wing Foiling
• Wind Foiling
• SUP Foiling
• Foil Assist
• Foiling Accessories
• Ex-Demo / Clearance
• Ball Bearing Blocks 15-21mm
• Ball Bearing Blocks 29-30mm
• Ball Bearing Blocks 38-40MM
• Ball Bearing Blocks 50-60MM
• All Purpose and Plain Bearing Blocks
• Ratchet Blocks
• Exit and Lead Blocks
• High Load and Wire Blocks
• Deck Organisers
• Sheaves and Springs
• Low Friction Guides
• Parrel Beads
• Stic-It Pads
• Jammers and Clutches
• Swivel Cleats
• Cleat Accessories
• Drain Bungs
• Inspection Ports
• Grip & Tapes
• Spar and Spinnaker Pole Fittings
• Tillers and Extensions
• Rudder Fittings
• Trapeze Fittings
• Boom Fittings
• Selden Mast Fittings
• Heel Plugs & Steps
• Sheave Boxes
• Spreaders & Associated Parts
• Selden Spinnaker Pole Fittings
• Rig Tension Gauge
• I-Beam Track
• Wind Indicator
• Winch Handles and Accessories
• Standard Top Winches
• Self Tailing Winches
• Spar Sections & Spinnaker Poles
• Hobie Kayaks
• Hobie Sailboat
• Hobie Eclipse Pedalboards
• Kayak Accessories
• ILCA (Laser)
• Dinghy Covers
• North Sails
• Dinghy Clothing
• Wet Weather Clothing
• Hats, Helmets and Bags
• Casual and Crew Wear
• Clothing Accessories
• Anchor Rope
• Chain & Shackles
• Fenders & Floats
• Boat Hooks & Oars
• Bow Rollers & Bollards
• Compasses & Navigation
• Batteries & Boxes
• Switches & Connectors
• Fish Finder
• Outboard & Fuel Fittings
• Hinges & Hatches
• Canopy Fittings
• Ladders & Handles
• Navigation Lights & Accessories
• Resin & Modifiers
• Skin Fittings & Connections
• Hose Clamps
• Pumps & Accessories
• Double Braid
• Spectra and Dyneema
• Prestretched & Veclock
• Rope Accessories
• Safety Equipment
• Mast Sections
• Spinnaker Poles
• Trailer Accessories
• Balustrade Fittings

Yacht Rigging

• Balustrade & Rigging Tools
• The Sail Loft
• Available Boats
• One Design Parts
• Inflatable Repairs
• Gill Marine
• North Actionsports

BINKS MARINE has a rigging and manufacturing department which specialises in mast rigging for all boat types.

We also have a mobile service trailer.....

Binks Mobile service trailer is professionally set up with our brand new roll swaging machine and all the equipment we need to service yachts large and small.

Our qualified Riggers are very experienced and work efficiently with mast either in the boat or we can crane out depending on the client's requirements. 

What we do:

• Replace Standing rigging all size boats - either in column or crane out sections
• New Mast sections
• Australian distributor for Selden Masts
• Running rigging replacement and rope splicing
• Rigging inspection inc reports for insurance companies
• Mast tuning
• Headsail furling Systems (Selden Furlex, Profurl, Reefit etc)
• Installation or pack down of boat for transport
• Architectural systems
• Agents for North Sails
• Sail repair and covers

 We can custom make spars, beach dollies and trailers, and modify or custom-make fittings.

Whatever the job give us a call or send us a Customer Enquiry, we're sure to be able to help.

We stock a large range of Stainless Steel wire including 1x19, 7x19 and Dyform wire in various sizes

We can offer hand swaging or roll swaging for wire rope up to code 12 or you can hire a hand tool to do the job yourself.

Mast/Rig inspections  

Our expert staff can give your spar a complete overhaul and inspect to see if there is rigging that needs replacing. All our rigging staff has experience in all types of boat rigs and all materials used are top-grade stainless steel. With our new Mobile rigging trailer, we can swage on the job with the mast left in the boat or can crane it out. We supply detailed Rigging reports for all the Insurance companies.

Furling System installations  

Our rigging division has installed many different types of furling systems. We can supply and install various brands for any size yacht. Contact us if you would like more information about furling systems available. We sell all the major brands including Selden Furlex, Profurl and Reefit

Lifelines & Wire Rope fabrications  

If you need wire fabrications for lifelines or others we can make wires to any requirements. We supply and install various types of balustrading, for more information check out our balustrading page.

Halyards & Splicing  

Our riggers can splice almost any type and size of rope, including eye splicing, rope to rope, rope to wire and rope tapering.

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Hurricane Marine Hobart

• Boat Set Up
• Project Management
• Shipwrights

Welcome to Hurricane Marine – We are your marine specialists

Hurricane Marine is a Hobart based marine services company that works throughout Tasmania, Australia and the world.  Our experienced team has a diverse range of skills and knowledge to assist in any task.  From slipping and detailing, shipwright works, rigging and splicing to marine salvage we can put a plan together to get you back on the water again.

Hurricane Marine is located in Prince of Wales Bay in the heart of Tasmania’s marine precinct. We have facilities at both the CleanLift Marine and Prince of Wales Marine Complex.  This gives us access to deep water berths, hard stand area, undercover work areas, cranes, forklifts; you name it we can make it happen and help get you back on the water again.

• COVID-Safe Travel in Tasmania

We are a yacht agency formed to support captains, managers, owners and crew in assisting with the increasing demands of managing yachts. Based in Hobart and covering the entire state and islands of the Furneaux Group, King, Bruny and Maria

At your service for a seamless experience during your time in Tasmania, YST is your one point of contact in handling all your yachting needs and is your first port of call

YST offers concierge services, the highest quality in provisions, interior and deck supplies, logistical and technical assistance, clearance procedures and more

WINEGLASS BAY , EAST COAST

Convenience

Yacht agency.

PROVISIONING

MAINTENANCE

Opening Hours

Mon to Sat: 8am – 5pm Sunday: 9am – 5pm

@yachtservicestas

SPECIALISTS IN PERFORMANCE RIGGING

To us, every yacht is a superyacht, "whether our clients sail a 100ft racer out of st.tropez or a 30ft cruiser on the solent, they are united by a love of their boat and passion for the sea. we get that - first and foremost we are sailors too. that's why all our customers - superyacht owners or not- get super service.", bart, first spars co-founder, let's sail .

FIRST ACROSS THE FINISH LINE

We know what it is like to race. Our team are veterans of the likes of Sydney/Hobart, Fastnet and RORC. So we know a carefully optimised rig can make the difference between winning first, and not finishing at all.   So let us apply the skills we have honed by working with many of the most competitive racing crews to optimise your yacht.

FIRST TO EXPLORE THE UNEXPLORED

We also work with some of the world's most accomplished explorers, so if you are planning an amazing blue water adventure, let’s explore how we can get your yacht’s rigging zinging.

Not everyone wants to break world records or navigate the NorthWest Passage. But we have built up skills by working with some of the most demanding sailors around who have done just that. We can apply these performance rigging skills to your boat, whether it is based in a Monaco marina or a secluded Scottish loch.   You sail for the joy of it - we can optimise that joy. Optimising joy…that’s actually OUR first love

THE LAST WORD

We stand for quality and for technical excellence. We strive to push the boundaries in terms of innovation, but we never forget that fundamentally we are about sailing - and sailing is a beautiful thing. That’s why we aim to build beautiful things. To us yacht rigging is an art form.    BY RESPECTING BOTH FUNCTION AND FORM OUR AIM IS TO BE THE LAST WORD IN EXCELLENCE...

FOR THE RACERS. FOR THE EXPLORES. FOR THE LOVE OF SAILING.

#forthesailors.

PARTNERSHIP @FIRST

 THE CARE OF SAILING BOATS NOT ONLY TAKES THE EXPERTISE OF ENGINEERS  BUT ALSO REAL ARTISTS. WE ARE PROUD TO HAVE TECHNOLOGY LEADERS AMONG OUR PARTNERS, WE WORK ONLY WITH THOSE WHO PUSH THE LIMITS OF CAPABILITY, FINDING NEW SOLUTIONS AND SEEKING INNOVATION TO ENABLE YOU TO PURSUE YOUR DREAMS AND PASSION SAFELY AND SUSTAINABLY

• Riggtech – Yacht & Architectural Rigging
• Riggtech Bosun’s Locker
• Rope and Splicing
• Standing Rigging / Rig Inspections
• Spar Building, Servicing & Painting
• Custom Fabrication
• Balustrading
• Shade Structures
• Architectural Gallery
• Yachting Gallery
• Supplier’s / Agencies
• Online Shop

Standing Rigging Inspections, Maintenance and Replacement

Standing Rigging Inspections – One part of sailboats and yachts that must be inspected, maintained, or even replaced when necessary is the standing rigging. It is comprised of fixed lines, wires, or rods that are designed to support each mast or bowsprit on sailing vessels. These specific components likewise reinforce the spars against increased loads when wind interacts with the sails.

Standing Rigging Inspections

A Standing Rigging Inspection must be done first to check the condition of the standing rigging, as issues with the standing rigging if not fix correctly and quickly can result in the mast falling down. When conducting inspections, you can easily identify components that require repairs and replacements.

Normally, the replacement of standing rigging should be done every 10 years. Generally, insurance companies today require the standing rigging be replaced approximately every 7-10 years, depending on how often, or how far the yacht is sailed, they may require the rigging to be replaced earlier than 7 years. (Check with your insurance company, as policies may vary) Insurance companies also commonly request a professional rigging inspection and survey of the yacht when a used boat is sold or if a new policy is to be obtained. If the standing rigging is in excess of 7-10 years, most insurance companies will not insure the yachts rigging.

When carrying out standing rigging inspections, you must start at the masthead. Looking closely for any signs of corrosion, cracks, or breaks of any kind in the standing rigging (ei. In the wire, terminal ends, rod, toggles, pins, backing plates etc.) as you are slowly lowered down the mast. When we conduct rigging inspections, we check over all mast and sailing components, all the way down to the chainplates. Other components that must be checked for any damages or performance issues include swivels, back and forestay fittings, tang plates and toggle fittings, shrouds, swaged terminal ends, mainsail track, spreaders, turnbuckles, chainplates, blocks, running rigging, sheaves, and spars etc.

Riggtech recommends getting an annual professional rigging inspection to check over all sailing components to ensure smooth and precise sailing, regardless of the conditions you’ll face.

Maintenance

Whether you are a racer or cruiser, it is important to maintain your yacht. Here are some parts of rigging that need to be checked and ways on how to maintain them. You can do it yourself or if you don’t have the time, we can do it for you!

• Halyard Swivels : Oiling halyard swivels makes releasing clips or removing twists in rope easier and smoother. (Purchase Harken OneDrop from our online shop)
• Sail Tracks : To make hoisting and lowering sails easy and smooth, it is a good practice to spray the tracks or bolt rope with some lubricant, we recommend Harken Sailkote. It is a silicon spray that stays extremely slippery after it dries. Head to our online shop to purchase some!
• Furler Bearings : Greasing furler bearings is quick and easy and makes furling sails in and out a breeze. Make sure to drop the sail to grease the bearings in the swivel and in the drum.
• Sheaves : Sheaves in the mast, on the deck or in blocks should be oiled, so they run smoothly, preventing corrosion and seizure of the bearings or sheaves. (Purchase Harken OneDrop from our online shop)
• Split Pins and Split Rings : Checking split pins and split rings is important to prevent clevis pins from falling out and leading to catastrophic failures. Checking for sharp edges in these is also important to prevent the sail from catching and potentially ripping. We recommend using amalgamating tape, electrical tape or silicon for protection and prevention.

Replacement

The most efficient and cost-effective way to replace the standing rigging to a yacht is to remove the entire mast and rigging from the yacht. This way you can do all the stays at the same time, you can make the pairs the same lengths and it is also much easier to check over the whole mast and make any repairs and replacements where needed. At Riggtech we make sure we replace every standing rigging component from the top pins to the bottom pins, so there isn’t any weak link.

The alternative is replacing the standing rigging while the mast is in the boat, we do not recommend this, as you have to support the rig systematically as you de-tension, remove, make and replace individual stays to the mast. This is a very time-consuming process, because it involves a lot of mast climbing, making individual stays and tensioning and de-tensioning, it can also be extremely dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Components that have either corroded or have obtained huge cracks and damages should be replaced right away to avoid compromising the whole standing rigging. If you want to know more about its inspection, maintenance, and replacement, feel free to contact us at Riggtech .

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Riggtech Bosun’s Locker Newport:

[email protected] (02) 9997 2382

Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club 9 /16 Mitala Street, Newport NSW 2106, Australia

Riggtech Pty. Limited:

[email protected] (02) 9997 8100

Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club 2 /16 Mitala Street, NEW PORT BEACH, NSW 2106, Australia

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Yacht Rigging and Maintenance

Looking after the rig and all its associated gear is an important part of caring for your yacht. Many people see the rigging and mast as a part of the yacht that needs no maintenance. All things deteriorate with age, sometimes even when they are not used, and yacht masts and rigging are no exception.

Many cruising boat owners are not aware of when the rig was last out of their boat, let alone when the rigging was replaced. When boats are regularly raced these things are checked on a regular basis as a dismasting can be costly, let alone dangerous to the people aboard. Another interesting fact is that now insurance companies are asking when the rig was last checked and the age of the rigging. In the event of a dismasting and an insurance claim it is quite possible the insurer will decline at least part of the claim, if not all, if they consider the age of the rigging to have exceeded its expected life without being checked or replaced. A dismasting at sea is not pleasant to say the least and could end sinking the boat let alone costing someone their life.

We are often called upon to do maintenance work such as changing masthead lights and fitting new wind indicators as well as replacing halyards etc. We are also able to unstep the mast from your vessel, check and replace any gear as needed, as well as splice and replace any halyards etc, then restep the mast again. While the mast is being checked/overhauled we can repaint your mast & boom.

We can offer off-site mast storage at our Dundas Street workshop for your mast while we are working on your boat, whether it is being painted in our shed or we are working on the mast.

With a lifetime interest and experience in yachts and racing Mitch has a broad range of experience in yacht rigging, but if he has to undertake work that he feels is specialised and beyond his range of experience, he will bring in outside assistance and expertise.

We can also service your sheet winches & replace ball-bearings in blocks as well as in mainsheet and genoa cars. With Mitch’s life long interest in yacht racing he can check and advise on any gear repairs or replacement. We are also able to source any winches, deck gear, sheets or other gear the boat owner may require, including supplying and fitting wind gear, as well as performance instruments such as boat speed, depth etc. We can supply any HARKEN products at a competetive price, a brand known in the yacht racing world to be the very best, and cutting-edge technology .

Many yachts are now fitted with a roller furler headsail set-up, ideal for cruising, which makes handling headsails short-handed much easier. We can supply and fit HARKEN furlers or any other brand if the customer prefers.

We can supply and splice any halyards, sheets or rope you require, using rope made by Fineline Marine, a high quality rope made in NZ. We can supply Fineline Advantage Dyneema halyards custom-made to any colour you require – the modern equivalent to an old school wire halyard with a rope tail.

We can rerig your mast using either traditional 1×19 stainless wire or the new dye form wire such as “Hama”. We can supply  SeaRig rigging components, including swageless fittings and KZ SeaRig rigging screws, a superior option to the traditional rigging screws with exposed threads.

We are able to supply and splice your marina dock lines, spliced on the job so you have a line of the correct length with a loop on both ends. We can supply and set up weighted retrevial lines for your dock lines. No more muddy lines in the water when you come back into your berth.

We can supply chain, anchor rope and anchor swivels as well as re-splice your rope/chain anchor rode.

For absentee owners we are also able to remove sails, have them repaired and replace them back on the boat ready for use or, if your sails are off the boat, we can rig the boat ready for you to arrive and put to sea.

As a yachting NZ safety inspector Mitch can advise on the requirements for Cat inspections, for both racing and for pleasure vessels departing for overseas.

With the advent of LED lighting, when the mast is removed, if a tri-light is fitted it can be replaced with a new LED unit. This new type of light source reduces the drain on the vessels’ batteries by requiring a lot less current to operate. In many yachts with only a limited battery capacity this is important. We use quality HELLA lights, sealed for life, requiring no maintenance and are waterproof. Sometimes the ordinary bulb is just replaced with an LED bulb, a cheap option at the time, but it’s not long before the internal connections in the light-base fitting corrode, and the light doesn’t work. This is not easy to deal with when it’s on top of the mast standing in the boat, and a new light has to be mounted and wired up in place.

For all yacht owners with a tri-light on the mast head showing port, starboard and stern with a steaming light half way down the mast for motoring.  Did you know it’s not legal when the vessel is under power?  In plain terms, if you have a collision at night, be it your fault or not, it could be an escape clause for insurance not to pay out. The collision regs state the vessel, if under 12 metres and under power, has to display port, starboard and either an all-round white light at least 1 metre above the port/starboard or a stern light and a steaming light at least 1 metre above the port/starboard.

That means 2 sets of lights if you have an engine and a masthead Tri-light .

For YNZ cat inspections  port and starboard lights in the hull will not be accepted.

Another point while discussing YNZ  cat inspections – in respect to headsails, I am sometimes asked, when doing a cat 3 inspection, if a half rolled up No 1 or 2 is acceptable as a heavy weather jib. I’m afraid the answer is no! The rules state that, if a furler or head foil is fitted, the heavy weather sail has to have an alternative method of sail attachment. This can be soft shackles that go around the foil or furler body. The reason is that it is not unknown for the headsail luff rope to pull out of the groove, rendering the unit useless. The heavy sails require the vessel to be able to beat off a lee shore so they need to fit the vessel and be efficient.

Exclusive Offer

*Winter Special!*

Contact us for a friendly chat or advice about your boat, ask us about our winter antifouling special.

H & M Pascoe Boat Builders

Email  [email protected]

A/H 07 866 5866

1 DUNDAS ST WHITIANGA 3510

[email protected]

Mitch   0274852046 [email protected]

Phyll   0274852036 [email protected]

ABLE MARINE

Able Marine - Shipwrights of Kettering.

61 ferry road, kettering, tas :   0429 174 168 or   0418 301 929), rigging replacement and new installations.  repair and replacement of masts and booms..

In need of replacement rigging?

It can be hard to ascertain the condition of your rigging and to know when its due for replacement.  If it fails while you are out in the elements the results could be catastrophic.  What value do you place on the replacement of your vessel?  What about those things you can't replace like human life?

Able Marine can inspect your rigging and advise if its ready to be replaced.

Our services

• Rigging Inspections and Report.
• Supply and Service Standing and Running Riggings.
• Furling Systems Supplies, Installation and Service.
• Winch, Clutch, Travellers etc.
• Complete Mast, Boom and Pole Service.
• Aluminium and Carbon Mast and Spars.
• Supply and Install Aluminium and Carbon Mast and Stays

Installers of

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Large or small...power or sail… PJ’s will tailor a YachtCare package to suit your needs. From simple boat checks to complete walk-on walk-off boating; let the PJ’s YachtCare team take the hassle out of your boating.

A full complement of services to ensure trouble free enjoyment of your boat:.

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• BSI Fiber Rigging
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BSI service

BSI’s service and refit program is based upon a worldwide network of highly respected and experienced rigging companies and service technicians.

REPLACE THE OLD, Leaky deck hatch

SPECIALIst Equipment For your yacht

BSI Group provides you with a unique selection of specialist equipment for cruising, racing, and super yachts from the most dedicated brands in the business.

BSI rigging

Made by sailors, for sailors.

Trusting Mother Nature to carry you safely across the seven seas is a lot easier with top of the line components on board.

Specialist maritime equipment We design, manufacture and market specialist equipment for cruising, racing, and super yachts. Our goal is, and has always been, best-in-class products with the strength to handle anything a raging sea can throw at them, without compromising control or speed.

EXCELLENCE ONBOARD

BSI Group provides you with Specialist Equipment for Cruising, Racing, and Super Yachts from some of the business’ most dedicated brands – all under one sail.

REFIT AND REPAIR

Refit BSI’s service and refit program is based upon a worldwide network of highly respected and experienced rigging companies and service technicians.

Repair Replace the old leaky deck hatch with a new, tight and modern one. Wear, sand and water have left their mark on the old deck hatch so now is the time to change it.

• BSI Rigging

BSI Rigging is a leading player in the yacht rigging industry supplying to OEM yards, private superyacht customers and leading mast manufacturers. The rod, wire and fibre range and associated hardware offer customers a broad range of solutions to meet their standing rigging needs. Our rigging range includes the following products.

The best-in-class rod rigging products with the strength to handle all a ranging sea and the elements can throw at them. BSI standing rod rigging and fittings are designed and manufactured in house on BSI’s own CNC machines.

BSI fibre rigging is a high-performance solution for standing rigging saving weight aloft whilst providing s sound solution, available in a number of materials made to the highest grade suitable for the specific yacht and mast.

OS high quality wire rigging, and fittings for privately owned boats in addition to supplying to many leading production boat yards. BSI offer full traceability and strict quality control on all products with guaranteed value for money.

BSI offer a service programme backed by a global network of dealers and service agents. All boats rigged by BSI have a history log to enable refit plans to fit within a yachts schedule.

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BSI at St Barths Bucket 2024

METS 2023 – 12.540

Beagle V #FollowTheRig 20+ Year Service

Back-to-Back Regatta Wins for BSI Rigged Nakupenda

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• Fjordagervej 34-36 DK-6100 Haderslev T: +45 7322 2222 E: [email protected]

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Shipwrights with great workmanship using only quality materials. Based at Oyster Cove Marina, Kettering, Tasmania

• Our Services

Some of services we provide

Traditional techniques, paint & varnish, rigging & rope splicing, traditional caulking, hull scraping & antifouling, gelcoat repairs, insurance quotes & repairs, club marine risk assessments.

We are quality shipwrights located in Kettering, Tasmania. Our team will work with you to tailor a solution for your individual needs, whether that be traditional techniques for the wooden boat enthusiast, modern techniques required for the latest in marine craft, or anything in between. No job is too big or too small for our multi-talented team of boat builders. You can be certain that all work will be performed to a high standard and looking exceptional.

RM Marine began in 2010 with Rod Mennitz, a local shipwright trained by the last of the traditional shipwrights with 20 plus years experience. Rod identified a demand in the market for quality workmanship and his passion drove him to deliver a service that is truely the best for your treasured vessels. Rod also holds current Master 5 and MED3 commercial skipper certificates and has extensive experience in offshore sailing, scuba diving and commercial fishing.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your project

To have a chat about what we can do for you, please contact Rod on 0428 507 420 . Or alternatively, you can complete the following inquiry form.

© 2024 RM Marine.

Sailing Coach Behind Your Local Rigging Expertise in Perth

Discover the driving force and extensive expertise that power Yacht Rigging Solutions. Our journey is anchored in the passion and experience of our founder, Edgar, who has dedicated his life to the art of rigging and sailing. Learn about the remarkable journey that led to the establishment of Yacht Rigging Solutions and why we're your trusted rigging experts. Call us today and explore the range of rigging services and solutions we offer.

Rigging Roots

Edgar's rigging odyssey began in 1989 when he embarked on training with Sparcraft as an onboard rigger for the Whitbread Round the World yacht race. He honed his skills as a rigger-fitter at the WA Yachting Foundation and subsequently spent a decade as a rigger and team leader with the esteemed Rolly Tasker rigging company. In 2005, Edgar set sail on his own rigging venture, establishing "Yacht Rigging Solutions."

A Lifetime of Sailing Excellence

Edgar's illustrious sailing career spans four decades, marked by remarkable achievements:

• 10-year tenure with the USSR National team (1975-1985)
• European champion in the 470 class
• Bronze medalist in the Olympic sailboard class at the World Championship
• Numerous national championships and medals across various yacht classes
• Solo sailboard journey from Latvia to Sweden across the Baltic Sea
• Whitbread Round the World race participant in 1990
• Crewmember of the division D winner in the 2004 Sydney-Hobart yacht race
• Multiple Australian champion in Etchells and Dragon classes
• Several WA state championships
• Successful completion of the Sydney-Hobart yacht race in 2006

Coaching Excellence

Edgar isn't just a seasoned sailor; he's the highest-qualified Sailing Coach. His coaching journey includes:

• Possession of a university equivalent degree in Human Movement
• Qualification as a Physical Education teacher
• Two years of postgraduate study at a specialised coaching institution
• Progress towards a Masters Degree in Human Movement
• Diploma of Management
• Leadership as a top coach for the Latvian and USSR national sailing teams
• Coaching experience with RPYC, Flying Ant Association and numerous one-to-one projects

Call us today on 0418 418 495 and explore our comprehensive rigging services tailored to meet the unique needs of your yacht. 

Contact Information

Perth, WA 6000

0418 418 495

[email protected]

Opening Hours

Applied Composite Technologies (ACT), founded by Andrzej Pete Kula, began operations in 1993 out of the waterfront of Victoria Dock in Melbourne, Australia, with the launch of their first custom built carbon fibre rig for a 60 foot catamaran sent to Chesapeake Bay, USA.

In 2000, ACT relocate to a new, larger workhouse in Sunshine West, Victoria as the demand for bigger carbon masts grew. The Company tooled up for production of larger masts with capability of delivering no less then 17 size mast sections, for boats ranging from under 30 foot sports boats through to maxi 100 footers. 

In 2003, ACT build a carbon rig for the maxi yacht Skandia, Australian winner of the  Sydney to Hobart race. Prosperous years follow with ACT delivering a great number of carbon rigs for custom and production yachts. 

Some major ACT projects to date:

• built two rigs for Skandia, maxi 100 foot yacht, winner of the Sydney to Hobart 2003
• stepped a rig on Brunel - an  Australian entry to Volvo 70 Around the World Race
• supplied a rig for an IMOCA Open 60 for the Basque Pakea Bizkaya entry to Solo 5 Oceans Race in 2007 and the following Vendee Globe
• built a custom carbon rig for Secret Man’s Business 3.5 - Reichel Pugh 51 design, the winner of The Sydney to Hobart 2009
• were granted supply of four rigs to Marten Yachts for the cruiser/racer Marten 49s and a number of rigs for Sydney Yachts, NSW
• supplied Quant Yachts in Switzerland with rigs for Q26 and Q30 first production DSS foil boats

Over the years, ACT has boosted exports of custom built rigs overseas, as far as Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan. For over two decades ACT proudly continue to rig mono and multi-hull yachts locally and abroad. 

At present, ACT holds two subsidiary companies: Melbourne Yacht Rigging and Alecto KiteFoiling Australia .

Applied Composite Technologies (ACT)

ACT has developed an advanced method of production of carbon fibre spars diverted from aerospace technology. We pressure mould or mast sections and other components in purposely designed tools and process the carbon epoxy laminates at high pressures and temperatures. Our choice of carbon epoxy pre-pregs comes from Gurit SP-Systems our supplier since inception of our Company. We commission various composite components for boats and other applications. Recently, assisting Sykes Racing we developed production of carbon out-riggers for the rowing boats produced in Australia. 

Melbourne Yacht Rigging

Melbourne Yacht Rigging is our subsidiary operation providing rig services locally in Victoria. We service all type of rigs: carbon, aluminium and also timber - whenever the opportunity arises. 

Our service includes:

• rig restoration and resprays
• replacement of rigging in rod, wire and composite
• we inspect the rigs for safety and the insurance purpose providing rig reports
• specialising in professional rig tunes to improve both safety and performance of boats
• we supply cordage, install navionics, take care of hydraulic components and furling systems

Alecto KiteFoiling Australia

Alecto KiteFoiling proudly developed the first Australian production of a carbon fibre hydrofoil for kite surfing. To date our hydrofoils raced in the World Cup under the Alecto brand formally KFA.

http://www.alectokitefoiling.com.au/

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Slips can accommodate catamarans up to 55' with beam limitations at 30'

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The Yacht Rigger is a marine specialist group dedicated to marine upgrades and maintenance. From rigging, electrical, lithium batteries, solar, custom metal fabrication, air conditioning, deck hardware and much more.

We specialize in all types of yacht rigging, whether your boat is for cruising or racing, our team provides a comprehensive unbiased service tailored around you and your vessel. Please explore our services and products pages to discover what we have to offer.

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Rigging & lines, solar & electrical.

• Sailboat Arches

HVAC & Refrigeration

Quality brands.

High quality brands namely Blue Wave, Selden Furlex, Ewincher, Rainman, Spectra, Mantus, Harken, Waterline Design and more. We are currently expanding the store so keep an eye out.

Quality Services

At The Yacht Rigger we pride ourselves in offering top quality service, installation, and maintenance to a wide range of products and brands. Have a look at our lit of services below.

Marine Solar & Electrical Systems

The Yacht Rigger is proud to be the premier choice in Florida for marine solar installations on all vessels, from sailing catamarans, to cruising mono-hulls, to power cats and small motor trawlers. We’ve got your solar & electrical needs covered. Including new system installation, existing system troubleshooting, parts replacement, new system integration or additions, new battery banks and much more. Let our partnered ABYC certified technicians come out to take a look at your electrical needs and we’ll make sure you have an efficient, well integrated system up and running in no time.

Standing Rigging Production Facility

With our Wireteknik A350 swage machine and a production shop full of swage fittings, spools of KOS Stainless steel wire and wire rope, and brand new chrome bronze turnbuckles by the dozen, we can produce standing rigging from lifeline size – up to 5/8″ (16mm) standing rigging. Competitive pricing and top quality parts mean your new standing rigging will be safe for many years to come.

We have a very large inventory of Blue Wave standing rigging components on hand at all times. See our Blue Wave page for more details on this top quality Danish supplier.

We ship anywhere, so send us your orders for standing rigging and we’re happy to produce your rigging and ship it out to you, or come see us at the boat yard!

Lifeline Rigging

If you need your Lifeline rigging replaced, look no further. We offer full service Lifeline rigging replacement. We only use top of the line marine grade stainless steel products, and our A350 swaging machine can handle swaging up to 5/8″ (16mm) wire.

Let our team renew your Lifeline rigging and get back out on the water sailing safely.

Marina Wet Slips & Haul Out Facilities

In our wet slips we can accommodate catamarans up to 55′ with beam limitations at 30′. We have a large float bag on site for service work on catamarans such as thru-hull installations, sail drive removal, propeller work, and underwater light installations.

On the hard we are limited to a 16′ beam for haul out and offer full service bottom jobs as well as gelcoat repairs, propeller and shaft replacements, and even re-power projects (and more).

We do offer do it yourself “DIY” yard spaces, as well as DIY wet slip spaces, and all our wet slip spaces allow liveaboard and offer bathrooms with showers and laundry facilities.

Solar Frame & Arch Fabrication

We utilize the latest state of the art solar panels and build custom frames in house out of light weight marine grade bright anodized aluminium. (Stainless steel frame fabrication is also available if requested). Our goal is to maximize your vessel’s solar potential whilst maintaining minimalist concepts to create a beautiful, and highly functional end product.

Custom Frames Arches

Rigging Inspections & Consultations

The Yacht Rigger provides comprehensive rigging inspections on all masts to vessels located within our service area. We inspect all running and standing rigging. All rigging termination points are visually inspected. Sheave pins and sheaves inspected, spreaders, furler or headsail foils, and all gooseneck fittings. Electrical wiring is inspected for chafe/corrosion.

We also check all light fittings, blocks, cars, tracks, clutches, winches and any other hardware. A complete cleaning of all rigging ends, pins, and cars can be added if the mast is going into storage. We provide a detailed report of our findings, including suggestions for any additional parts and work required.

At the Yacht Rigger we also offer a consultation service designed to assist you with both troubleshooting as well as with selection of any new rigging parts, from winches or furling gear, to a new mast, no job is too big or too small. Please visit our Contact Us page and get in touch so that we can assist you!

HVAC (heat, ventilation, air conditioning) systems, helps to control the climate on your boat allowing you and your crew to enjoy the time on board all year long. Not only control the temperature on cold winters or hot summers, they also control the humidity levels, making the living area feel more comfortable and helping to keep the boat dry, increasing the life of electronics, fabrics, headliners, etc. reducing mold growth and other moisture related problems.

Investing in a new installation or upgrade of an existing one will extend your boating season and increase the value of your boat.

Winch Servicing

Servicing your winches regularly not only improves their longevity, but also greatly improves performance. Correctly cleaned and lubricated winches will operate faster, and require less force when grinding.

We can service all of your winches professionally, on site, in a matter of a few hours. We carry parts for most major brands and can source parts for almost any winch out there today.

Our riggers are highly competent splicers, capable of splicing any line in a given application. From basic polyamide docklines, to covered Vectran, we can assist you in selecting the correct line for the correct application. Be it a weight saving halyard for a race boat, or a topping lift for a cruiser, look no further than TYR.

Hardware Installation

At TYR we can supply all hardware relating to your mast and deck, for all brands of masts. Our team of expert riggers will guide you through getting the right equipment for your boat.

We supply many top of the line models of headsail furlers, including Selden Furlex and Harken. TYR can also provide servicing and spare parts for existing systems to ensure efficiency and reliability.

We supply a full range of blocks, clutches, cars and travelers from the leading brands Spinlock, Harken, Selden, and Ronstan. Be it a cruising boat wanting to maximize ease of use for all of running systems, or a high performance dinghy or racing yacht wanting to minimize weight, we will provide a product suited to your needs.

New Sails & Sail Covers

If you’re considering replacing your sails or sail covers, please get in touch with us through our  contact  portal. Our team has decades of experience in both cruising and racing and we’ve partnered with the most talented and detail oriented sailmakers and canvas specialists in the Tampa Bay area to offer you a comprehensive sail replacement service.

Our sail replacement service includes: Consultation – we’ll help you choose the sail material and cut that best suits your needs.

Measurement – if you fall within our service area we’ll come out to your boat and take precise measurements to make sure that your new sails perform optimally. We’ll also advise you regarding the variety of sail covers, mainsail storage systems, and sail furling systems available.

Installation – when your crisp new sails or sail covers are ready we’ll come out to your vessel and install them, to make sure they fit and perform exactly as needed.

Stern Arch & Davit Systems

If you are looking to store your tender on your stern, we have you covered. From large stern arches to smaller davit systems. We’ve partnered with suppliers from across the US to bring you the most cost effective, aesthetically pleasing, and practical solutions to this complex issue. We can also supply fully integrated solar and wind systems on top of our stern arches that will get you off the grid and ready to go out into the big blue!

Anchoring & Windlass Systems

We supply and install new windlasses, anchors, anchor chain, rode, and all the accessories in between. We can fabricate custom mounting platforms, install all the necessary switches, wiring, fuses, and additional batteries if needed.

Marine Electronics

At The Yacht Rigger we offer a comprehensive marine electronics service that includes new system installation, existing system troubleshooting, parts replacement, new system integration or additions, new battery banks and much more. Let our partnered ABYC certified technicians come out to take a look at your electrical needs and we’ll make sure you have an efficient, well integrated system up and running in no time.

Google Reviews

“ “ Stephen does regular work for me on rigging. He is very knowledgeable and dependable. First rate! ” Robert K

“ “ Steve and his crew listened to what we needed, then stopped by our just purchased 1997 Catalina 38 to look it over. In 10 minutes they diagnosed the issue, proposed a solution, removed the sail, gave me an estimate on money and time and off they went. Came in right on budget, hit the completion date on the mark, sent me photos to see the final product. Thoroughly professional and timely. I'd recommend these guys anytime, an will have them back on our boat as we need them for sure. ” Mike Conroy

“ “ Extremely knowledgeable in repair or upgrades to not just rigging, but all systems of sailboats. Professional and prompt service. These guys have helped my wife and I outfit our boat for live aboard cruising. From rigging replacement to solar panel install and also repair of systems specific to our boat, we couldn't have done it without them. Fair, reasonably priced, and always available for questions. 5 stars plus, nothing more I can say. ” Zach Duncan

“ “ These are the most professional guys I've met in the marine industry in St. Pete. They were very helpful in getting my boat ready for passage on a tight timeline. The job was done in time and on budget, but what really sets them apart is the fantastic communication. Highly recommend! ” Nate Mortensen

“ “ Great service. These guys are very knowledgeable. ” Pat M

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ARCH INSTALLATION TIPS

• Measure where you think The arch feet are going to land on the back of the boat, pick either the front or back leg landing positions and measure the span. Check for backing plate/nut access at these positions.
• Assemble the arch laying on dock and slide the sides into the bridge evenly until the leg span you measured is Approx 5-6” wider than your goal span. Tape the joints at the bridge using masking tape to stop it sliding further in when you are test fitting.
• Measure the “drop” from where you think the forward legs will land and the aft legs will land and trim the forward legs. Accordingly. I usually leave them a couple inches longer than I think they need to be, and do the final trim once I’m at the mocking up stage.
• Assemble the arch feet and install them, using string to secure them to the arch legs using a rolling hitch.
• Use a block and tackle or a truckers hitch to squeeze the legs together to match the span you are aiming for. No more than 6”.
• Hoist arch into position using topping lift or main halyard  (and two people) and test fit. At this point you can measure exactly how much you need to trim off the forward legs to make the arch fit level.
• If the arch needs to sit lower, once you have it level, you can trim both legs the same amount. Keep in mind that as the arch gets shorter the span will narrow slightly due to the geometry of the arch.
• Once you like the position, mark the feet in their positions using sharpie and lower the arch back to the dock. Release the block and tackle and drill/bolt the bridge. Drill and epoxy/bolt the feet into position.
• Hoist the arch again and check all landing positions on feet one final time. Mark bolt holes on gelcoat and move arch out of the way for drilling. Try to pick the forward or aft feet and do them in pairs, pick whichever set you think will allow you to bolt it down securely then pivot the arch back or forward to do the other pair after (check orientation of arch feet for pivot ability).
• Through bolt all feet and tighten. If fitting to an uneven surface, back fill the area behind the plate with thickened epoxy.
• Tighten all bolts on foot bases.

Salt Creek Marina and Yard Rules & Regulations (DIY & Storage)

“Common Sense, Compliance with Laws, Consideration Toward Others” (January 1, 2023)

This agreement shall be effective on the date hereunder by and between the undersigned Owner or Agent of the vessel(s) hereinafter (“Vessel Owner”) described below and Salt Creek Marina, Inc. and The Yacht Rigger LLC located at 107 15th Ave SE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

8/21/2023 UPDATE – If a hurricane system becomes a named storm and your boat is in one of our wet slips you MUST move it back to its original berth. The boat is not allowed to stay. The owner is responsible for planning with their preferred captain, or The Yacht Rigger has two captains on staff.

1. Fees: The Yacht Rigger and Salt Creek Marina reserves the right to change its rates upon one (1) months’ notice.

• Monohull DIY Dry Storage will be $900 monthly or $225 weekly, with a minimum of 1 week required. After the first 4 weeks, the rate will increase by $50 per week, for the remainder of the boat’s duration.
• Monohull Wet Slip will be $1,100 monthly or $275 weekly, with a minimum fee of $100.
• Catamaran Wet Slip will be $2200 monthly or $550 weekly.
• Haul / Block / Relaunch – One Time Charge $12 per foot
• Emergency Haulout – $25 per foot
• Short Haul – – – Special Haul to be scheduled by The Yacht Rigger or approved contractor only + $175 contractor fee (includes normal haul out rate)

2. Insurance: Vessel owners must provide insurance with Salt Creek listed as additional insurer on their vessel before arrival. Vessels must always be insured.

3. Hurricane & Summer Storm Season: June 1 – November 30 Haul out boats for storage or DIY work on the hard during this time are required to remove all canvas (including but not limited to Bimini, sail covers, dodgers, e.g.) as well as all sails on the boom or furlers. Remove all moveable equipment: canvas, sails, dinghies from davits, cushions, water toys, grills, biminis, roller furling sails, etc. Canvas and sails must be stored below and not on deck. Lash down everything you cannot remove tillers, wheels, booms.

4. Live Aboard – Wet Slip Only (Yacht Rigger Only Rule): Starting January 1st, 2024, customers may NOT stay on their vessel during electrical refit work or other major modifications or upgrades down below. Due to the nature of these projects requiring major upheaval down below within your living space and the need for our teams to work efficiently. Rigging and “above deck” type work will permit liveaboards. As much as we would love to accommodate liveaboards during this time, it is simply too inefficient for us and expensive for you, the customer. For vessels with excessive items on board preventing efficient work, we will provide on-site storage pods at market rates.

5. Third Party Warranties: This includes any warranty claim that is to be made against the original manufacturer or seller of the vessel or product. Should a warranty claim arise, The Yacht Rigger will estimate the job accordingly. It will then be up to the customer to obtain approval from the applicable 3rd party (boat manufacturer, spar manufacturer, etc.). If approved & immediately upon completion of the warranty issues, the customer is solely responsible for the payment of the work completed. It is then the responsibility of the customer to be reimbursed by the applicable 3rd party.

6. Yard Hours: The boatyard hours are 8:00am to 6:00pm, Monday- Sunday. The boatyard gate locks at 6:00pm. You may come check on your vessel, re-secure rigging, canvas and pump out water during business hours. Please check in with the office if you are near closing hours.

7. Utilities: Boatyard provides power & water to vessel owners as a part of their agreement so long as the owner fully adheres to all Rules and Regulations. When you are finished with the water hoses, turn them off and place them back neatly in the area you found them. Please ask a Salt Creek Marina Boatyard Employee for access to either option.

8. Outside Contractors/ Subcontractors With Management approval (determined individually) contractors may work on a storage vessel for a fee of $40 a day in addition to monthly storage/dockage fee. The owner shall be responsible for informing the office of any subcontractor working on the vessel for any purpose whatsoever. The subcontractor shall submit insurance before any work can commence. Salt Creek Marina and/or The Yacht Rigger reserves the right at its sole discretion to stop unsafe work practices and if deemed necessary to order the offending worker(s) to leave the site at the Owner’s/Skipper’s sole risk and expense.

9. Supplies: All paint including but not limited to, bottom paint, primer or barrier paint, haul or topside paint, varnish or otherwise any paint being applied to your vessel must be purchased through the Boatyard or approved by Management. This policy is for safety and environmental protection purposes of all persons operating in the Boatyard. Paint will normally arrive within 24hrs of purchase.

10. Paint Spraying: There shall be no spraying in the Boatyard under any condition. Any person spraying any paint will be immediately expelled and fines levied.

11. Cleanliness: All vessel owners shall be responsible for keeping their area clean and professional. The Boatyard reserves the right to charge the vessel owner for any cleanup required to comply with RR. All debris associated with boat repair activities must be disposed of daily. A dumpster is located near the parking area.

12. Disposal: There is a designed disposal station of 55 gal drums for oil and one for oily rags and filters located near the office door. PLEASE DO NOT PUT GASOLINE IN THESE DRUMS.

13. Facilities: Bathrooms are provided as a courtesy to all Customers. We will make our best efforts to keep it clean but reserve the right to limit access any time. Please use the outside sink for heavy clean up and use the indoor head/sink for bathroom purposes only. The Yacht Rigger has its own set of facilities to be used by its staff and customers. Please do not use SCM facilities.

14. Parking: Park in the designated parking area. Vehicles should be parked clear of travel lift path, not in storage areas, on the seawall or blocking boats. Salt Creek Marina and/or The Yacht Rigger is not responsible for vehicles that are damaged by equipment or conditions in the yard

15. Regarding noise outside of the scope of work not being completed, i.e., radio/stereo volume, please be respectful of neighboring boat owners’ tenants.

16. Salt Creek Marina and/or The Yacht Rigger is not responsible for any theft or loss of items left on or around the vessel.

17. The yard takes no responsibility for accidents, injury, or death to any persons in or working within the yard at any time. All people wishing to enter the boatyard for any reason do so at their own risk.

18. Failure to comply with these rules and conditions can result in additional charges if Salt Creek Marina and/or The Yacht Rigger personnel are required to do site cleanup operations and/or will be asked to remove your boat from the marina.

19. Additional Rules:

• Owners are not permitted to test engines, run water for AC or other purposes while on the hard. All electricity and water shall be for the sole purpose of working on their vessel and disconnected when unoccupied.
• There are to be no mobile AC / Heater Units or Refrigeration Units to be run on the hard.
•  No unfurling of sails will be permitted at any time, under any circumstance.
• There is to be no hot work, flame cutting, welding etc. to be done in the yard.
• Jack stands and blocking may only be used and moved by employees of Boatyard.
• Boatyard reserves the right to move vessels when needed without permission or notifying owners.
• Any trailer, dingy, mast, or other personal property not directly attached to the vessel must be pre-approved, additional charges will apply if approved.
• Packages – you are welcome to send packages to our address here, but please make sure they state your name and “CO The Yacht Rigger” and limit your packages to 5 a week.

Any modifications outside of these rules will be determined individually by Management. REMEMBER THESE RULES & REGULATIONS ARE FOR EVERYONE’S BENEFIT. PLEASE HELP KEEP THIS BOAT YARD A CLEAN & SAFE WORKPLACE. ** Salt Creek reserves the right to change these rules at any time.

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The definitive guide to sailing yacht rigging

Related articles, superyacht directory.

Do you know your Bermudan rig from your DynaRig or wingsails? And which is best? BOAT explains it all...

Take a look at a modern racing yacht from above, beating to windward and heeled to the breeze, and you can see at a glance why Bermudan rigs have stood the test of time. With its fore and aft sails bladed into efficient aerodynamic shapes, a modern yacht can slice close to the wind and be driven hard. Such a sight would have been outlandish a century ago. Then, a typical trading barquentine could set 18 sails to catch light airs, but it needed a large crew to battle with canvas far out on the yards. In a modern miracle as incredible in its way as flight, today’s racing yachts can sail faster than the speed of the wind – in some cases several times faster.

A mainsail set on a single spar is an age-old concept but only in the 19th century was it adapted as the Bermudan or Marconi rig. A one-piece mainsail set on a mast without a gaff, hoisted with one halyard and controlled by one sheet, was simpler and more efficient. This revolution became the power train of pleasure yachting and racing.

But perhaps the time is coming for a re-evaluation of simpler rigs requiring fewer crew – alternatives with lower loads operated by automated systems. In an era of reduced carbon consumption, could more radical sailplans even herald a revival in sail power?

The evergreen Bermudan rig

The Bermudan rig is the all-rounder, able to perform well at all angles of sail. It is efficient upwind, while downwind the sail area can be significantly boosted with a big gennaker or spinnaker. For good reasons, it is the first choice for nearly every modern sailing yacht up to around 60 to 65 metres for cruising and regatta racing alike. At larger sizes, however, things start to become trickier, and the trade-offs get interesting.

Over the last decade, sail handling technology has steadily advanced to allow sloop rigs to grow larger and larger. “But with that comes a highly loaded rig, many tonnes of compression from tension in the rigging, and you have to build structure in the boat to accept that,” explains Paul MacDonald, founder and superyacht sales manager of Southern Spars.

“You have to have a lot of deck gear and captive winches below decks and the machinery for that. But over the years, boom furling systems and MPS [Multi Purpose Sails for downwind angles] stored on a drum, for example, have made sail handling safer.

Bill Tripp is the designer behind the 86-metre Aquijo , which broke new ground in 2015 as the world’s largest Bermudan ketch. Tripp prefers to call the rig a "sketch", a portmanteau word for a rig that is neither a sloop nor a ketch “because the main and mizzen are identical”. Even though the sailplan is divided over two masts, each spar is still a towering 90 metres above the water. Aquijo perfectly illustrates the issues involved with a Bermudan rig when scaled up.

“The sloop is great but I prefer the ‘sketch’ for sailing around the world under full control due to the desirability of a two-masted rig for reaching ability, which dominates passages, and the safety of controllable loads when sailing in all kinds of conditions miles from nowhere,” he says.

Upwind, Aquijo sets a jib, staysail, mainsail and mizzen, all in North Sails 3Di, totalling 3,821 square metres. A furling Code sail for reaching and downwind angles increases that to a vast 5,051 square metres.

While Aquijo has a crew retinue of 17, it can be controlled under sail by six or seven people. With custom winches to handle halyards and sheets, the sails can be hoisted astonishingly quickly for such a large rig. “It takes five minutes to put the main up, on average, and the main and mizzen can go up at the same time,” Tripp says. Aquijo has now sailed 100,000 nautical miles around the world and the owner is planning another circumnavigation through the Northwest Passage.

Tripp is not convinced of the wisdom of a much larger single-masted sloop rig. “If you are day sailing in the Med, a sloop would be awesome, but I am not sure if you had fewer sails you would be able to [reduce canvas] well enough. Also the mast is a windage problem when the keel is up and you are beam-to. If you are on anchor, that’s no problem but you’d have to be able to cope with being on the docks in 70 knots. The windage at 120 metres is not only more but the centre of effort is so much higher, and so the heeling loads all go up.”

However, British designer Malcolm McKeon , the name behind the high-performance, sloop-rigged carbon composite superyachts Missy and Ribelle , is pushing the sloop rig to new heights. His 85-metre design concept Apex, developed with Royal Huisman , would be the largest sloop-rigged yacht in the world. “The loads are enormous,” he admits, “but it is all scalable.”

“The big disadvantage is sail handling. The downwind sails are pretty complicated once you start hoisting and retrieving, even with drum and reel systems. It is not straightforward.” But, he adds, “I think we know the advantages of a sloop: if you want all-round performance you can’t beat it, even at the top end.”

Advantages of a clipper rig

The DynaRig has been around as a concept since the 1960s when German engineer Wilhelm Prölss devised these free-standing, rotating rigs as a fuel-saving solution for large commercial vessels. The idea was ahead of its time, so much so that its first realisation came nearly 40 years later when American owner Tom Perkins bought the residual technology and commissioned Dykstra Naval Architects to create a three-masted DynaRig for Maltese Falcon , his 88-metre Perini Navi.

The DynaRig is not as efficient upwind as the Bermudan rig, and is probably not the best solution for a yacht smaller than around 65 metres, suggests Jeroen de Vos of Dykstra. “We wouldn’t advise putting a DynaRig on a small yacht because there are other ways to manage sail handling. But on a larger yacht the DynaRig becomes an alternative because there is no rigging, no highly loaded sheets, low-tech [small] sails and no big winches.”

The beauty of the DynaRig is that its automatic systems can be handled by one or two people and, notes de Vos, “you don’t have to get out of your chair to go sailing. Maltese Falcon can sail on and off the anchor and can set 2,400 square metres of sail in six minutes. On other boats it takes six minutes to get the sail cover off.”

Damon Roberts of Magma Structures, which built the rigs for Maltese Falcon and the only other DynaRig yacht to date, the 106-metre Black Pearl , says: “You can do any manoeuvre easily; it’s like sailing a dinghy. There are no highly loaded sheets or ropes or flogging lines. You can luff up, bear away, tack and gybe at  any time and really enjoy sailing the boat without any apparent fuss.”

So with all these advantages, why has the DynaRig been chosen for only two sailing superyachts? For some designers, such as Malcolm McKeon, it is partly to do with compromises imposed by the large mast tubes and bearing diameters on the internal structure and layout, “particularly in the cockpit area,” he says. He also points out that the clipper ship look is not to every owner’s taste. “Sloops are more conventional looking,” he says.

Damon Roberts says there is still development work to be done. He has teamed up with Southern Spars and, with their additional resources, expects evolution with several new projects. “These include two at the moment that are twin-masted DynaRigs,” he says. “We did quite a lot of wind tunnel work early on as we felt that was really the sweet spot for it, and people will be stunned at how efficient these are.”

The future of the wingsail

Wingsails have been around for decades too, but with their adoption by the last two America’s Cups and the confluence with foiling technology, they have undergone rapid and revolutionary development.

To date, there is no proven solution for reefing a wing that would be suitable for offshore cruising or ocean passages. As the pronounced aerodynamic “nose” at the leading edge of a wing can develop force in strong winds, they could potentially make a large yacht uncontrollable in port as well.

“How do you get rid of sail and how does [a boat] handle when caught out in heavy wind conditions – which you will be? How do you keep the angle of attack all the way up the rig and how do you handle squalls?” Roberts asks. “A mechanism to reduce sail might be easy to sketch out but it is difficult to engineer.”

Jeroen de Vos says: “The wingsails are more developed towards performance and I wouldn’t say that they are as practical as soft sails or would ever make handling easier. But if somebody wants that, why not? Reefable soft sails, wings that are inflated, hoisted panels, possibly these are applicable. The development of this area is happening very rapidly.”

Paul MacDonald of Southern Spars agrees that the time is not here yet but thinks it will come. “In reality we are in the early days of wings. For the America’s Cup, they are the most efficient way of sailing by a long shot, but with them comes handling issues, which the industry hasn’t resolved yet. But I am sure they will be in 10 years’ time. Designers such as VPLP are starting to [work on concepts] and we are going to see something that is usable and efficient and suitable for ocean work eventually,” he says. “And whatever the solution is, you imagine that it will scale.”

Looking to the future

A drive for greener superyachts could present an opportunity for sail, but perhaps it needs to be less daunting.

“There is this intimidation of sheets and backstays, and sailing is a language you don’t learn in a year,” Tripp says. “But we have a project we are doing now with a yard with some new rig technology and some soft wings that we think is going to be viable.

“We can uncomplicate sailing more. If we can win people over from motorboats it will help, but we are only winning these battles one or two at a time. We need [more] projects like Sailing Yacht A , which are something really different, and do more things better with less energy. We as architects need to elicit change.”

McKeon also sees change coming. “People are more and more concerned about keeping their image green and sails are the way to do that,” he says. “Simpler sailing systems are needed. The current generation is used to Bermudan sloops. In years to come, the traditionalists will all be gone, and maybe new people will be more accepting of [different ideas]. I think in the future we will certainly have wings.”

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Could this 18-year Sydney Hobart streak be broken in 2023?

For the past 18 years, the line honours victors of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race have been powered by Future Fibres’ flagship rigging product—ECsix. The most popular composite rigging product in the world, ECsix has had a hand in winning just about every grand prix contest—from the Vendee Globe, to SailGP, to the Rolex Fastnet.

Yet, as we look towards the horizon of this year’s Great Race, whispers of change could be signalled by the arrival of our breakthrough hybrid rigging product—AEROsix. AEROsix is constructed from a solid carbon plate bonded within bundles of multistrand carbon rods, fusing the reliability of multistrand rigging with the performance of solid carbon. This delivers minimum vibration under tension, which, in turn, means extreme aerodynamic efficiency. Crafted in an ellipse shape, AEROsix provides the highest performing aspect ratio of any carbon rigging on the market—creating the highest amount of lift for the least amount of frontal area drag. 

SHK Scallywag has embraced our hybrid technology by opting for AEROsix during a recent refit, which also included a plethora of rig upgrades from our partners at Southern Spars. A Sydney Hobart line honours win has thus far eluded Scallywag, but these put them at the leading edge of rig and rigging technology, laying down a clear statement of intent. Learn more about Scallywag’s upgrades, and the other contenders for line honours victory, on the Southern Spars website .  

The spirit of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race lies not just in the rush for line honours but in the gruelling battle for overall victory. The feel-good hero of last year’s race, Celestial has made some upgrades of her own, as she looks to defend the Tattersall Cup. With a new mainsail from our partners at North Sails, Helix structured luff and 3Di technology, a high-performance carbon rig from Southern Spars, ECsix multistrand rigging, and recent modifications to the backstay from the experts at RigPro, Sam Haynes and co. have given themselves the best chance of going back-to-back.  

Then there’s Caro, arguably the favourites, whose impressive campaign at the 50th Rolex Fastnet again showcased the potential of a Southern Spars rig in concert with Future Fibres rigging. As she vies for the coveted Tattersall Cup, Caro carries with her the expectations of a year marked by triumphs and the promise of a glorious grand finale in Hobart. Another yacht which has upgraded to AEROsix rigging, if Caro and SHK Scallywag both take silverware, it could be a crowning moment for hybrid rigging technology.  

The challenges of Southern Spars/Future Fibres-rigged mini maxis like Alive, URM, and Moneypenny are not to be underestimated. Local favourite, Alive lifted the TasPorts Trophy last time around for the first Tasmanian yacht on IRC corrected time, and has tasted overall victory before – lifting the Tattersall Cup in 2018. URM has shown impressive form, coming off a strong performance in the Australian Maxi Championships, which could also signal a robust challenge for top honours. Defending its divisional win in IRC 0 from last year, the 2022-23 Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore champion, Moneypenny, returns to the fray. An awesome sight slicing through the water, Sean Langman’s tribute to 007 could certainly shake (or stir) things up in the overall standings.   

As the crews make their final preparations, the excitement is palpable. The 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is not only a test of endurance and seamanship but also a showcase of innovation. For a deeper dive into the quest for line honours and the pivotal role of Southern Spars and Future Fibres for front runners like Scallywag, Andoo Comanche and LawConnect, visit the Southern Spars website . 

Get in touch with our yachting expert Marco to find out more about Future Fibres rigging and which product is most suited for you.

Marco Sevilla Head of Sales [email protected] +34 619 558 300

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Tony always provides a totally professional and reliable service, to the highest quality.

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TJ Rigging is based in Conwy, North Wales and provides a mobile rigging service throughout the UK and abroad .

Tony Jones served in the Royal Navy as a petty officer (seamanship). Subsequently, he has had wide experience racing, cruising and commercial skippering, including taking part in the ARC and Sydney Hobart.  Tony has a full Yachtmaster commercial qualification so with his wealth of experience he can discuss your boating issues with a truly professional background.

Tony started TJ Rigging in 1999, based in Conwy Marina but is available to travel throughout the UK and overseas.

TJ Rigging is a supplier of trusted marine brands, including  Harken , Selden , Sta-Lok , Liros , Z-Spars and many others .

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