MASTERCLASS
This winter, to prepare my IMOCA 60 Medallia for the Vendée Globe race, I have completed a full change of all the standing rigging. This was a ‘no brainer’ decision as my rigging has been around the world once already and I would never take it into the Southern Ocean for a second time.
In some ways it is easier to estimate the life of synthetic rigging, as it comes with a recommended mileage or stated lifespan if it can be UV damaged. For those with stainless steel rigging the decision on when to replace can be a harder one.
The main difficulties boat owners face when assessing the condition of the rig is the inability to see the first signs of wear, partly due to
