More enjoyment of your ship, more comfort and safer sailing.
Rigg
'Rigg' aka 'Standing rigging' consists of the wires that support the mast of a sailing yacht. These wires are usually made of stainless-steel wire such as 1×19, Compacted Strand, Dyform, or rod rigging. They can also be made from PBO or Dyneema.
The wires are attached to the mast and the hull by means of various fittings. There are many different types of fittings, for example terminals (eye terminals, fork terminals, ball terminals, etc.) and toggles. The wire is tensioned using a turnbuckle. The correct wire diameter and the correct rigging tension are very important.
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Functions of the standing rigging:
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Supporting the mast in all directions.
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Controlling mast bend and sail shape.
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Absorbing loads from wind and sails.
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Ensuring the structural safety of the vessel and the rig.
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The standing rigging is divided into shrouds and stays.
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Shrouds
These support the mast athwartships (laterally):
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Shrouds, e.g. V1, D1 (D1F and D1A), and D2; optionally also V2 and D3.
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Lead from the mast to the deck or to the hull.
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Often run via spreaders.
Stays
These support the mast fore and aft (longitudinally):
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Forestay (leading forward toward the bow).
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Backstay (leading aft toward the stern).
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Optionally a babystay, checkstays, or running backstays.
The system behind the nomenclature: letters + numbers
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Letter = type of stay/shroud
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V (vertical) = lateral support
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D (diagonal) = controls mast bend
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C = checkstays (if fitted)
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R = runners / running backstays (if fitted)
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F (forward) = leading forward
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A (aft) = leading aft
Number = level on the mast, from bottom to top
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V1, D1, D1F, D1A (section 1)
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V2, D2 (section 2)
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V3, D3 (section 3)
Etc.
Service life of standing rigging
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Service life is not a guarantee or a hard limit; it is a guideline. Many factors play a major role in the actual service life:
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Age of the rigging.
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Sailed miles.
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Sailing conditions; more frequent and harder sailing leads to faster fatigue.
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Designed safety factors.
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Correct tuning and adjustment (proper rig trim).
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Compliance with maintenance schedules; good cleaning and regular inspections extend service life.
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Events such as crash gybes, groundings, and capsizes.
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Environmental conditions: salt water, sand, heat, and corrosive atmospheres accelerate degradation.
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Type and quality of steel: AISI 316 offers good strength and corrosion resistance, which has a positive effect on service life.
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Regular professional inspection and timely maintenance are essential to assess the actual condition of the standing rigging.
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Overview of wire types
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Type: 1×19 Wire
- Elongation: Moderate
- Inspectability: Good
- Breaking Load (MBL): Standard
At Ø 8 mm
- Breaking Load (MBL): 5,400 kg
- Weight per 10 m length: 3.2 kg
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Type: Dyform / Compacted Strand
- Elongation: Low to very low
- Inspectability: Good to fair
- Breaking Load (MBL): Higher
At Ø 8 mm
- Breaking Load (MBL): 6,300 kg
- Weight per 10 m length: 3.7 kg
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Type: Rod Rigging
- Elongation: Very low
- Inspectability: Difficult
- Breaking Load (MBL): Very high
At Ø 8 mm
- Breaking Load (MBL): 7,200 kg
- Weight per 10 m length: 3.9 kg
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