Re-Rigging

New Standing Rigging

We like to get a rig check done every year, and it seemed opportune whilst in Falmouth Harbour to seek the services of Antigua Rigging.

Some insurance companies insist on renewing the rig every ten years. As ours is nine years old and we have done a lot of miles, it was not a complete surprise that the check pulled up some issues. Of primary concern was the D1 shroud which had three broken strands on it. We could just replace that and take a chance, but we are heading halfway around the world, and did not want to be in a big sea worried if the rigging would hold out.
Also it appears the stay sail foil had not been fitted correctly, and had come apart at the top section.

3 broken strands

Staysail foil failure

 
















































With that in mind we gave the go ahead to Antigua Rigging to do a complete re-rig. Of course nothing is ever that simple. The first job we did was to remove the Main and Genoa. Prior to the crane removing the mast, a local electrician is coming to sort out the wiring.

Our mast is deck stepped so the removal is fairly straightforward.

Poor Azzy looked very different without her mast.

Many thanks to all those involved, to Stan and his team at Antigua Rigging, especially the lovely Chantez, and Marionics for the mast electrics.

The lovely Chantez

Josie and King of Marionics

Before we left to head South, we had a sea trial and the rigging had a final tweak. Sadly we failed to sort out the issue on the generator so will tackle that in St.Lucia when we head back to Rodney Bay.

We did take the opportunity to fit our new sails as well, all that remains is some trimming of the leech lines and we should be set to go.

We ran out of time to visit Gudaloupe so will head to St.Lucia to meet up with a friend who is joining us for 10 days.