Rigging 101: A multitude of things.

I did a bit of general care today, and I thought you guys might like to see what I did. I had to switch back to my Ronstan/Freddy rachet block. The new Ronstan Orbit block I've been using is attached with a spectra loop, and after maybe 3 regattas, it's starting to fray and I'm afraid it might blow while out sailing. I'll have to ask Ronstan what to do to solve this, I filed my eyestap down, but this is apparently not enough. Maybe they can make a version with a shackle, I'll have to ask nicely. See the pic for the wear and tear.



I also attached a pic to show how I attach the block when using a stand up boot, as some people have problems with these. The first thing I do is is zip tie it tight at quarters to compress it, this makes it easier to screw the block into the shackle. After you have the block attached, just clip off the zip ties, and milk the boot up and over the shackle, and presto, your done! A really nice thing about the boot, instead of the spring, is that lines don't get caught it, and if they get wrapped around, you just pull them out. They also can't get permanently bent. But they should still be replaced every couple of years. ( And yes, I was sitting in my boat, on my dolly when I did this, it's just easier to do that way. I don't recommend this to everyone, especially for long periods of time, this could place unnatural stresses on your boat. And yes I know, I have sexy supermodel legs! Very Nice!)






I also worked on my mast tie in line. This is something that I'm always fighting with, to try and find the easiest option. As of now I've come down to tow options. Option 1 is to tie a tight bowline around the mast, and lead it through the gooseneck, and tie it though the base plate. Option 2 is to tie a stopper ball in one end of the line, and lead the line through the gooseneck, and tie off at the base plate. Both are basically the same, but subtly different, nothing really special. I'll decide which next time I go out. Note that the line in the pic is not the final length, so it will be cut down.





Also, some people have asked me what style of hiking strap adjustment I use. I use the Rooster setup, which is pretty basic, and I think most people go with this. It's explained pretty well here: Rooster Hiking Strap Adjustment System And you can buy it Here
Note that I have a loop of bungee going through the hiking strap adjustment eye. I use this to hold my sport drink of choice. I just slide it though, and it stays pretty put. Sometimes downwind if its in the way of my foot, I'll just flip it on top of the hiking strap adjustment line, and it stay out of the way.


Somebody also asked for a full pic of my boat, so here you go. I'll try and get one up of my Laser fully rigged someday.