More Rigging Work to be Done
06 October 2016 | St Anne, Martinique
Lynn
Ken keeps his eyes open, and working, when it comes to our boat. He noticed not too long ago that something like amiss awaaay up there at the masthead on the forestay. We've had our concerns, as we have had some halyard wrap. Preventing this has also been in our minds.
While in the dock at Rodney Bay, Ken said he wanted to go up and take a look at the forestay. I counter proposed a jury rig of the GoPro to go up (let's see, a couple of ounces vs Ken's weight). With trial and error, with Ken's idea of mounting it on the swivel of the furler (the sail was already off), we had a very clear view of a forestay in need of replacement.
We checked around Rodney Bay, but there wasn't enough of the cable size we needed, 5/16" or 8mm, for our needs, but we were recommended to go to Martinique for the cable and replacement parts for our reusable Sta-Lock fittings.
There was no problems finding what we needed in Le Marin. The next thing was logistics. We know we can do it ourselves, but that would really require getting alongside a dock, not really an option in Le Marin. So we considered going back to Rodney Bay, a mere 4 hours motor sail away.
Then I proposed the possibility of getting the mast pulled, and doing it that way.... But the quote of 500€ just to pull the mast and put it back up again was insanely ridiculous. The other things that we would like to do to the mast can wait a little more.
We decided to check with the riggers here for a quote. Really, how long could it take them, and it is their bread and butter. It ends up it would take them maybe 3 hours, no problem.
So rather than fretting and worrying, we have an appointment for next Monday morning to get it done. Plus we even get a warranty.
We also have a device to prevent halyard wrap to out into place, so this won't occur again.