10.5.1 Rigging

10.5 Maintenance 10.5.1 Rigging

▪Always wear a suitable PFD/

lifejacket and ensure all loose gear is correctly secured.

Rigging components on a sailing craft are subject to extreme loadings. If these are set up incorrectly in the beginning and adjusted subsequently, the fluctuations in load can result in fatigue failure of stays, spreaders or masts, despite the use of modern materials.

▪Ensure sufficient experienced crew

are available. Do not attempt to launch short-handed.

▪Advise a responsible person

ashore of your plans, including departure and return times, launch locations and intended destinations. Always inform them of your safe return.

Rigging demands constant attention and inspection on an ongoing basis. While a boat is in service, it must be recognised that despite the use of materials such as stainless steel, components such as shrouds and terminals will not last indefinitely and must be replaced. On many boats greater than 6 metres in length, current practice is not to remove the mast at the end of the season. Consequently, rigs remain in place for many years without proper inspection.

▪Check with the relevant local

authority/local Beach Bye-laws that there is no prohibition on beach launching.