rigging news

Soft hardware

2012-02-03T08:05:00.001Z

Some new bits from TyeTec:

Soft Attached Blocks - Single, Double and Snatchblocks

TyeTec LOOP are leading the way in soft attached, self aligning, lightweight and for the first time affordable yachting hardware. Whilst the development of modern fibres has been significant over the last five years, the matching hardware with stainless steel attachments have not kept up. The Safe Working Load (SWL) of a traditional block are not even close to the SWL of the ropes they recommend to run around the sheave. TyeTec LOOP have developed products that match modern fibres without being oversize in dimension or weight. The sheave center carries the primary load for lightweight and strong blocks. Custom LOOP lengths can be supplied for different applications and LOOP beckets are easily attached when required. Available in single fixed, double and snatchblock versions. Compare the weight, size, safe working load (SWL) and price of TyeTec LOOP products with our competition.

NEW - NMP Blocks (Non Moving Parts)

Available in six different sizes, TyeTec have developed the these CNC milled fittings for use on lines that see more static load Vs sheet loads that are being trimmed all day. The NMP block is perfect for backstay, vang and lazy jack systems to name a few. With hardcote annodising the lines run remarkably smoothly around the radius track. Bulletproof, light, small and affordable.

The extension - UPDATE

2012-02-02T12:16:00.001Z

AC45’s TO GET WING EXTENSION

(Source: Oracle Racing) Last year at this time the AC45 was hitting the water for its first sea trials, no more than four months after the ORACLE Racing Design Team undertook the project. It is also in Auckland where in the coming days Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa Challenge are set to begin testing a wing extension for the speedy wingsail catamaran.

Judging by the picture at the top of this issue, where ORACLE Racing Spithill is as close to capsizing as you can get without actually going over, it’s hard to imagine the AC45’s needing more horsepower. But that was the concern with the America’s Cup World Series heading to light-air venues in Naples (April) and Venice (May), Italy.

“The extensions aren’t fixed permanently. We can put them on or take them off, so they’ll be used at our discretion for light-wind venues to add more power to the boats when we’re racing in lower wind ranges,” said Iain Murray, ACRM Regatta Director.

“We know that the lighter the wind gets there’s an exponential increase needed in area,” Scott Ferguson of the ORACLE Racing Design Team. Ferguson drafted a couple of options to increase the area. Option #1 (as above) simply added the extension, an increase in area of 6.4 square meters. But the added area of 8.7 square meters is achieved with the new, four-meter extension and slightly extending the trailing edge of the third flap.

Once the shape was settled, the project was handed off to Paul Bieker of Bieker Boats (which designed the wing and platform handling systems for the AC45) and Thomas Hahn of Ixent GmbH. They did the structural design and detailing of the wing extension system on the behalf of ACRM. Glyn Davies of ACRM is overseeing the building of 12 extensions at a factory on Auckland’s North Shore.

The mods add about 25 kilograms of weight, and the extension had to be built out of glass as opposed to carbon fiber to not interfere with transmissions from the television antenna mounted atop the wing. The antenna also had to be cooled, so Bieker, Jolly and ORACLE Racing’s Tom Speers teamed up to design a venturi at the top of the wing to cool the antenna.

“The whole idea is to make sure you can fly a hull,” said Ferguson. “This should do it.”

Not Rigging but…

2012-02-02T11:57:00.000Z

It’s sailing and its gone viral on the internet. Uploaded by Alex Thomsom Racing, this vid is closing in on 100’000 views in less than a week. Marketing at its best:

The extension

2012-02-01T07:57:00.000Z

More AC45 news this week: In order to improve light air performance, AC Management is introduction a wing extension as seen on Emirates Team New Zealand. More to follow.

Photo: Chris Cameron

The ingredients.

2012-01-30T20:14:00.001Z

Ever wondered what goes into an AC45 from a rigging perspective? Well wonder no more. The below table is a complete run down of all the running rigging, standing rigging and structural cables, which is strictly controlled by the Americas Cup Management.

Although not specified, its interesting to note the mix of suppliers who have been chosen for the standard / class supplied parts. Southern Spars supplies the standing rigging, Carbo-Link is represented with the spine cables, Future Fibres produces the furling cables and Hall Spars delivered the cross beams.

The biggest Wally yet

2012-01-29T19:21:00.000Z

(Source: Hall Spars) The Hall Spars team has completed the final test rig of the mast for the Wally 50m prior to shipping to Italy for stepping. Constructed of high-modulus carbon, the mast tube measures 66.7m (218.83 ft.). The four-spreader mast is a highly custom design by Hall's in-house engineering team, tailored to meet Wally's criteria of high performance combined with high style.

The double mainsheet is led forward from the boom through the mast, then down through mast-mounted turning blocks located just above deck level. This allows the mainsheet reels to be located farther forward in the boat. The system will be completely covered for the crew's safety. In addition, special care was taken at the halyard exits at the masthead, as well as the mainsheet exit, to reduce line chafe. Custom rollers were designed by Hall for both areas. Mainsail handling will be greatly simplified with Hall's carbon-fiber Oceanfurl boom. A custom carbon ramp on the mast facilitates a smooth, compact furl of even this enormous mainsail.

The Wally 50m hull is also built completely of composites. The freshwater tanks will also be used as ballast, and it has a lifting keel with a depth of 4.2m for entering harbor with an additional 6m for sailing performance. Designed by Tripp Design, designers of the Hall-rigged Wally 45m Saudade and Wally 43m Esense, the Wally 50m is the largest yacht built by Wally to date. The mast will be shipped in two pieces, and joined on-site by Hall's carbon experts.

Shown here is the top section of the mast (the spreaders are test-rigged prior to painting to avoid scratches).

So, you want to build a VOR70?

2012-01-29T11:46:00.000Z

Ok, so it’s not strictly rigging related but it’s a great clip and we are suckers for the current VOR boats. On top of that, Kimo Worthington surely has a career as a talk show host in store once he is done with the yachting industry! Check out the latest from Pumacast:

Late Nights in the Keys

2012-01-27T08:03:00.001Z

(Source: Rig Pro Newport) This year’s winter classic was good by most standards. I have heard all about the dwindling numbers and the end of a classic, but not from where I sat. The IRC boats had a great event, as did the M32,M24, Farr 40, and Farr 400 classes. All were represented by good quality teams from around the globe. There were 57 Southern Spars rigs at the event, including all three boats in IRC 1 and featuring EC6 standing rigging. Also sailing with EC6 are the Farr 400s and a few TPs. Unfortunately the new Carkeek 40 was not able to make the event and mix it up with the Mc Conaghy 38. These boats are to be quite competitive with the Carkeek boat using EC6 standing rigging and a running rigging package using Marlow and made up by Rig Pro US.

The week started off with some breezy practice days which lead up to Monday’s 20+ knot race day. These are the kind of conditions that are good for business! I made up some spares for two of the “big boats” and also some TPs. The trailer was stocked with cordage from Maffioli and also Marlow. I used plenty of PBO covers which is becoming the norm for the super stiff race boats with aggressive sail trimmers and abrasive winches. The first few days was me and some boat crew putting in some late evenings.

The remainder of the week was sailed in near perfect conditions, save for Wednesday.

GoPro/Armature

2012-01-24T20:00:00.000Z

Ryan Scott from West Marine has a new toy and we are mighty glad of it! This unedited, raw vid comes straight from his shop in Newport, R.I and talks about his Dyneema loops and their integration into off the shelf hardware. By his own admission, he has yet to figure out all the function of his new GoPro but it looks like he is well on his way! Nice work.

Got any vids of your own you’d like to share? Send us the link here.

X-Twist

2012-01-23T19:40:00.000Z

(Source: Equiplite) X-Twist, a small pull-load reducer that will prevent the furling drum from turning sideways when torque is applied.

X-Twist. The twist free 2:1 or 3:1 load reduction solution for Equiplite™ furling systems.

The new X-twist is specially designed for top-down furling systems and inner forestay furlers. The X-Twist is a smart, light and small pull load reducer for your Equiplite™ furling drum. This easy to install tool reduces the force needed to pre-tension a furling system and without employing moving parts, it’s completely maintenance free. More important the X-Twist will prevent the furling drum from turning sideways when torque is applied.

Come again?!

2012-01-22T19:40:00.000Z

Telefonica broke something to do with their MH Code 0 today. “We broke the masthead a bit,” reported helmsman Pablo Arrarte. “A piece of the tack broke. It flew away and broke the tensor (tensioning connector) down to the bowsprit.’ Come again, Pablo!? We can only assume something was lost in translation here! Maybe one of our Spanish readers can give us a better one from this vid!

Facebook update

2012-01-22T19:24:00.001Z

Harken continuous to lead the Rigging News Facebook Top 20 by a sea mile although their ‘growth’ seem to have slowed a bit. Sail22 is also closing in on third placed ‘Dyneema’ who have shown little movement since the end of the Dyneema challenge.
We have lost two Companies out of the top 20 on a technicality. Karver and Greement Courant have dropped off the list as their ‘group’ is no longer displaying the number of members or fans.

While the top end seems fairly settled, a battle rages at the lower end of the scale. Notable companies such as Selden, SailRacingParts and Kohlhoff GmbH are all within striking distance of the top 20 so stay tuned!

Sliders

2012-01-19T11:18:00.000Z

We discussed the VOR70 Telefonica’s ‘stack transfer system’ in a previous post and now, thanks to a comment by ‘Unknown’, we’ve got the link to the video. The screenshot above clearly shows the crew preparing to move the stack of sails by way of bridging the cockpit with bars that slot into the top of the primary and secondary winches. Watch the video here, Titled 'Leg3 Stage 1' from 5min 50sec. onwards. Great stuff!

Modern Look

2012-01-19T07:53:00.000Z

(Source: RSB Rigging)Perico has just finished leathering the runner flying blocks on the Baltic 72, Bramora. These were done using a carbon print leather and were hand stitched around the block and cable fitting. The finish not only looks great but is also long lasting. At RSB we specialize in leathering blocks, mooring lines and mast hoops using both traditional and modern hides and would be happy to supply you with a quote on future projects.

What is it?

2012-01-18T07:24:00.000Z

Tricky.

The devil's in the details

2012-01-16T20:52:00.000Z

While the coverage of the In-port race and the start of leg 3 in the Volvo Ocean Race was spectacular in itself, there are still subtle technical and technological differences to discover. This is particularly true for the live coverage of the Leg starts. The boats are in offshore configuration, running the very same gear that they are using when they are hundreds of miles offshore and the cameras are invariably switched off. This fantastic footage affords us a glimpse of the bits and pieces that would normally remain hidden from us. The following pictures are lifted from the VOR Live coverage of the start in Abu Dhabi and referenced to the play time. The complete footage is above.

Furling Gear - 52min in video
All the teams are using furling cables on their offshore A-Sails. Looking at the footage, most teams have opted for the convention torsional cables, integrated into the sail by way of a luff pocket. The only exception is Abu Dhabi who are using a ‘Gennaker Furling’ set up. The basic difference is that instead of furling the sail from the bottom up (conventional), the cable is independent of the sail (no luff pocket) and the torque, when furling, is transferred over the full length of the cable and hence furling the sail from the top down. The perceived advantage is that the sail designers have a bit more freedom when designing the flying shape as they are not hindered by the integrated luff cable. The sail can be designed and built fuller (if required) without worrying about the furling characteristics. The cable has to be marginally bigger (more windage?) than a standard torsional cable as it has to be able to cope with considerably more torque.

Abu Dhabi on the left with a loose-luffed gennaker furling cable

Downwind Sail Design - 48min - 53min
Abu Dhabi’s A-sail used at the start of leg 3 seemed to be fuller than the rest of the fleet. Maybe this is a direct function of the furling gear they are using (see above)? The other interesting difference is the luff on Campers A-Sail. There seems to be ‘excess’ material and are those zippers running up the full luff length? This has been seen on Open 6.50 (Mini Transat) and the like, where the luff or foot is ‘zippable’ to change the shape and the size of the sail. Could this be the same?

Camper - Zippers in the Sail?

Abu Dhabi on the left - Telefonica right.

Sheeting Angles - 1:10 onwards

Interestingly, although in their 3^rd generation, the difference in terms of optimum sail trim between these VOR70’s is staggering. These pictures are from the on-board camera, taken shortly after being released by the final ‘in-shore course’ mark on their way to Shairsha. The jib sheeting position and the use of the mainsheet traveller is indicative of each boats preferred mode at that particular angle.

Telefonica left - Camper Right

Puma left - Groupama right

Stacking Gear - No footage.

Probably the coolest revelation of this particular start and unfortunately the youtube feed is got cut just before they came into view on the live feed on the day (hence no picture). Telefonica has devised an ingenious way to transfer their ‘Stack’ from side to side without having to drag them over the winches and pedestals, risking damage to both sails and deck hardware. These ‘sliding bars’ slot into the top of the winches, bridging the cockpit conveniently, allowing the crew to side the sails straight over the top without snagging their gear. Although not executed particularly well in this instance (sails fell off the sliders), the benefits are obvious. The only question that remains is whether these bars have an additional use or does this system justify the additional weight onboard?

Surely there are quite a few more remarkable features yet to be discovered on these amazing machines – all the more reason to look forward to another round of racing in Sanya, covered by the fantastic Volvo Ocean Race team.

Slideshow

2012-01-16T09:49:00.000Z

Photo by Gilles Martin-Raget/Oracle

‘Sailmagazine’ has put together a nice slideshow of the build of an AC45 wing – step by step. Check it here.

Mast Cam

2012-01-13T13:15:00.000Z

What's going on here then?

2012-01-12T13:46:00.000Z

Want to know? Read the story here on Sailfeed.com

GOR / Sec. Hayai update

2012-01-12T13:30:00.000Z

(Source: Global Ocean Race) Meanwhile, in Cape Town, work is progressing well on the sixth GOR Class40, Sec. Hayai of the Dutch father-and-son duo, Nico and Frans Budel. On the first evening of racing in Leg 2, Sec. Hayai dismasted off the Cape of Good Hope and the Budels returned to Cape Town without assistance. Subsequently, a failed rigging component was found to be the cause of the dismasting. However, the Budels plan to rejoin the GOR in Punta del Este, Uruguay, and compete in Legs 4 and 5. A replacement carbon fibre mast from Southern Spars will be stepped in Cape Town on 23 January and, following sea trials, Sec. Hayai will sail from Cape Town to Punta del Este, timing the arrival to be ready to greet the five other GOR Class40s at the end of Leg 3.

CongratZ

2012-01-11T07:42:00.000Z

(Source: Lewmar USA) The team at Navtec would like to congratulate Loïck Peyron and his crew onboard Banque Populaire V as the new holder of Jules Verne trophy for the fastest nonstop circumnavigation.
Banque Populaire V is rigged with Navtec’s standard Z system PBO lateral rigging and Navtec’s anti- torsion PBO headstay. 29,002 miles in 45d, 13h, and 42min with zero failure is why Navtec’s sling wound PBO cables should be the clear rigging choice whether you are going around the bouys, across the ocean, or around the world.
For more information, visit www.navtec.net

Going up

2012-01-10T16:43:00.000Z

(Source: Greenpeace) We sent a GoPro camera up the 55 meter aft mast of the Rainbow Warrior thinking the best bit would be the view from the top of the highest A-frame mast in the world. But the camera's ride in the crow's nest was pretty darn good.

Catch our web video series "Stories from the Rainbow Warrior" and seethe maiden voyage of our newest ship through the eyes of our newest activists, the New Hands on Deck: http://act.gp/oI4nPx

Soft Wing

2012-01-09T19:49:00.000Z

(Source: Herusail.com) Our project consists in designing and selling innovative sails based on our US patented technology which allows the realization of a Soft Wing with Variable Profile.

With concern to material and construction typology, our wing may look like a traditional flexible sail but it actually presents with a fully sealed double surface capable to take an asymmetrical airfoil which range from concave to flat lower surface (Joukowski/Kutta), independently from the tack.

Through additional running rigging on our wing, you can modify the maximum wing thickness and the point of maximum thickness on the chord while sailing, thus allowing performance variations according to the different wind intensity and to different points of sailing.

Designed to be adapted to your mast - and not the other way round - our wing can be used on almost all kind of masts and it generally does not require any kind of modifications of structural elements unless strictly necessary for an optimum performance (e.g. spreaders have to be checked).

Our design responds to traditional sails parameters in terms of luff (P) and foot (E) and to wing shape standards such as the chord line percentage to assess the camber and the thickness of the airfoil.

New bits at the show

2012-01-09T19:36:00.001Z

UK. Barton Marine displays Deck Hardware latest additions at Tullett Prebon London Boat Show.

Barton Marine, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of sail and deck hardware will display its latest additions to the deck hardware range at the Tullett Prebon London Boat Show. The range now includes the recent Mast Base Organiser, the new Series 0 Cheek Block and the redesigned Swivel Bullseye.
Mast Base Organiser
Offering a unique solution to the managing of mast control lines that lead back to the cockpit, the Mast Base Organiser accommodates up to four double tang blocks (not supplied) which are mounted on individual stainless steel swivel posts, all secured with just three deck fixing points. The Mast Base Organiser is designed to work in conjunction with Barton’s range of deck organisers, rope clutches and winches, and is fitted close to the mast base so that the main halyard, reefing lines and the topping lift can be fed through.
The safety benefits of hoisting, lowering and reefing the mainsail from the cockpit are well reported but are not an easy retro-fit option on older cruising yachts with traditional rigs. Owners now have this option without the need for expensive fabrication or numerous fittings drilled into the deck.
Barton’s ‘Spectro’ grey anodising system gives the Mast Base Organiser a smooth, superior appearance as well as ensuring that the unit is well protected in the demanding marine environment.
New Series 0 Cheek Block
The Series 0 range of blocks is commonly used on dinghies and day-boats or as lead blocks on larger craft. The new cheek block completes the Series 0 block range and its simple, functional design is available in two options: plain bearing or ball bearing. The plain bearing design has a precision moulded acetal sheave that runs on a large diameter brass bearing, which ensures free running under the highest of loads.
The ball bearing option features acetal sheaves and delrin ball bearings, again running on a large diameter centre boss. This creates additional space for extra load-bearing balls which ensures a low friction performance, even under high loads. The Series 0 Cheek Block is perfect for vertical or horizontal flush mounting on masts, booms or deck.
Swivel Bullseye
Also new to the Tullett Prebon London Boat Show stand this year is the redesigned Swivel Bullseye. Fitted with a Kevlar ‘K’ cam cleat, it now features a new design stainless steel swivel post and arm, which ensures the line can be pulled from any angle and still be cleated. The unit is 45 grams lighter than its predecessor, weighing in at 172 grams, making it the ideal product for cabin top control lines up to 12mm.

The dealer

2012-01-09T19:28:00.000Z

USA. Seasure now sole distributor for Schaefer, Tuff Luff, Battslide & Schaefer Jib Furling systems.

Schaefer Marine have appointed Sea-Sure Limited as sole distributor for all their product ranges in the United Kingdom.

This follows the establishment of Schaefer as Sea-Sure’s US distributor just one year ago. Product ranges include all the Schaefer hardware, including their successful quality range of JIB FURLERS, the BATTSLIDE range of travellers for sailmakers and the much respected TUFF LUFF twin grove headstay system.

Sea-Sure already distributes to many of the UK‘s chandleries. All Schaefer products can be ordered now from production base in Warsash, Southampton, which is ideally located to serve the UK sailing industry. There are a number of proven products which will interest sailmakers and chandleries, including a range of high performance CAM CLEATS.

The new Schaefer M blocks are competitively priced and have a size range for yachts up to 80 feet.

Schaefer Jib Furlers are also well respected, with proven reliability under load.

TUFF LUFF has been in demand for many years by performance sailors. This headstay system offers the benefitof fast headsail changes, minimum weight and virtually no maintenance. Tuff Luff is now available from Sea-Sure.

Schaefer catalogues are available on request and comprehensive product details covering the popular ranges will shortly be added to the Sea-Sure website.

Steve Majkut, Director of Sales & Marketing at Schaefer stated “During the past year, we have worked closely with Sea Sure as the United States Distributor for their products. We are excited to build on the synergies of both companies as we complement each other well in our range of products. Our ability to have product on the ground and ready to serve the U.K. market is more critical now than at any other time. Apart from that, they are a great bunch of guys to work with and all share our passion for sailing.”

Graham Brown, Managing Director of Sea-Sure Ltd stated “From the outset we could see how all our customers could benefit from the shared logistics, a wider range ofcomplimentary product lines and being able to deliver them at lowest cost.”