Standing & Running Rigging

  • April 18, 2014 12:33 PM
    Message # 1540513
    Deleted user
    Hey guys we are new owners of a W32 with no real history info.  we are new to sailing too, and we want to know when we should be thinking about replacing our standing and running rigging and what the costs involved are.  Also, might be a dumb question, but what is standing and running rigging?  we really are completely new to sailing!  Any help will be hugely appreciated.

    Cheers, Jay
  • April 18, 2014 1:08 PM
    Reply # 1540525 on 1540513
    Anonymous
    Welcome to the WOA and welcome to sailing Jay. 

    After reading your questions, I would highly suggest that you try to find some other sailors around your area and get a mentor or at least just go sailing with some folks.  Skippers are always looking for crew and gaining experience is fun on someone else's boat.  This will teach you a LOT and FAST. 

    To answer your questions. 

    Standing rigging is rigging that holds up the mast.  It consists of the stays (wires that connect the mast to the boat), the turnbuckles, the tangs, pins, and chainplates, etc.  This standing rigging is typically made of 1x19 stainless steel wire and an "acceptable" replacement schedule is generally agreed to be between 10 and 15 years in salt water environments depending on how hard it was pushed.  (or when an inspection reveals damage/problems). 

    The running rigging is rigging that sets the sails.  Halyards lift the sails while sheets pull the sails into trim.  The running rigging should be replaced as it is chafed or worn.  This will depend very greatly on the amount of use it gets and how much sun exposure it gets. 

    Congrats on your new-to-you boat! 
  • April 18, 2014 1:33 PM
    Reply # 1540537 on 1540513
    Deleted user
    Thanks for your time - we will try our best to get a mentor.  What are your thoughts on sailing courses are they worth the money?
  • April 18, 2014 3:47 PM
    Reply # 1540571 on 1540513
    Anonymous
    My wife and I took some basic ASA courses and while they were fun, they didn't provide the real experience to be comfortable moving and sailing our own boat.  They take place on little boats that will teach you the basics and give you an understanding of the forces involved while sailing.  If you're indeed very new, they're a good fun way to spend a weekend day. 

    My best suggestion is to see if there are any local races.  Usually these take place on Wed nights and weekends.  Look to your local yacht club.  Skippers are always looking for crew and you'll get regular, free, experience on larger boats.  After 2 seasons of racing I've learned more about sailing than I thought possible in a short timeframe (having started out brand new like yourself).  The only problem is that racing doesn't teach you aspects of cruising, like anchoring, but just sailing and docking.  However, still well worth it if you can find a boat you enjoy crewing on. 


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