Philippe Berardo, a specialist in rigging, from the mast to the standing rigging and the halyards of the current, indicates the key points to be checked on a second-hand sailboat: "Facing a rigging, I proceed in two steps: I inquire about the age of the rigging and I carry out a visual inspection from the foot to the mast head. In the rigging, we can distinguish the mast that can be corroded, the cables that have a life span and the running rigging that wears out."
Age of the rigging
To find out the age of a rig, you must ask for replacement invoices for the various parts. In general, a standing rigging (shroud, forestay...) has a lifetime of 5 to 10 years. With disparities depending on whether it is a single-strand cable or a rod. Some cable suppliers such as ACMO engrave the date of manufacture on the end caps.
The running rigging is considered as a consumable that must be changed once worn.
Visual inspection
"For a rigging inspection, it is mandatory to get into the mast. At Atelier Gréement, we send 2 people in succession who each produce a detailed report with photos to support it. These 2 reports are compared to produce the final report. It is inconceivable not to go up the mast for such an expertise..."
Mast
Often made of aluminium, the mast is subject to electrolysis. Before attaching an accessory to it, it must be strongly insulated. This is not always well done. Thus it is necessary to check the connections with the spreaders, the winch or blocker plate fasteners and even each pop rivet. All traces of electrolysis must be treated to prevent the disease from spreading.
Mast inspection also consists of identifying cracks in the cable-stay attachment points.
A mast with little electrolysis can be repaired, but if the aluminium is fully drilled, the mast must be replaced. An operation that amounts to tens of thousands of euros...
Once at the masthead, it is necessary to check the proper functioning of all the sheaves, look for friction points and make sure that the halyards pass properly.
Sleeping rigging
The inspection of the standing rigging consists of visually checking all cable crimpings for broken strands. It is also necessary to check the correct alignment of the cables. These must not form an angle at the exit of the mast. This is often the case with poorly working T-tips.
The examination also consists of checking that the rigging screws are working properly. They can jam if they have not been regularly greased, or at least handled once a year. A seized rigging screw and it must be dismantled by cutting it with a grinder...
The forestay on which a jib furler is mounted will also be particularly monitored. If the furling system malfunctions, it is the cable that is forced when furling the sail. It is therefore necessary to monitor its crimping at the masthead.
Running rigging
On the running rigging, we look for wear points. As we would do during the winter, the easiest way is to replace the halyards with messengers. We can then judge the wear points of the sheath.
Today, it is possible to over-sheath the worn parts or even to completely replace the sheath while keeping the core (if it is worth it).
On a catamaran, we keep a close eye on the reef bumps, which take very high forces at the end of the boom with many raking areas. A Dyneema overjacket ensures longer life for reef bumps.
Rigging Workshop
Atelier rigging has 3 people in Canet en Roussillon. Launched in 2007, this company specializes in masts, cables, ropes, reels... It also has knowledge of deck plans and offers studies to arrange the fittings. With a 900 m2 park to store masts in complete safety and a 200 m2 hangar including a shop and a crimping workshop, Atelier Gréement meets all matelotage requirements. An activity towards the shade canvases has just been created. 2015 sees the launch of a partnership with the North Sail sailmaker: Rigging Workshop in front of an agent of this brand.
