The importance of rig checks for ocean sailors
Whether you’re planning a transatlantic yacht crossing, competing in an offshore race, or embarking on a global circumnavigation, one thing is non-negotiable: the integrity of your yacht’s rig. A properly inspected and prepared rig is the foundation of both performance and safety at sea.
Unlike coastal cruising, long ocean passages expose yachts to sustained, often extreme, stresses. Continuous loading, dynamic swell, and fatigue from long trade wind passages can turn even minor weaknesses into serious failures. Preparing your rig in advance – and monitoring it throughout your voyage – is critical.
Having supported countless offshore sailors and global cruising rally participants, the team at Advanced Rigging and Hydraulics offer their expert guidance to ensure your yacht is ready for bluewater sailing.
1. Pre-departure: Professional rig inspection
A comprehensive rig inspection by a qualified rigger is strongly advised – and in many cases, required by insurers before offshore cover is granted. Ideally, this is carried out in your home port, allowing time for any necessary maintenance.
- Newer rigs may only need a visual inspection aloft.
- Older rigs or those with heavy use may require unstepping the mast for a full survey.
This allows riggers to check hidden elements like mast step fittings, sheaves, and internal wiring. Skippers and crew should be actively involved – ask questions, take notes, and request a written inspection report. Documentation is not only useful for maintenance but may also support insurance or warranty claims.
A secondary check before departure is recommended, especially if you’ve been sailing or adjusting the rig in the run-up to leaving.
2. Offshore spares, tools, and emergency readiness
Once offshore, you are your own support team. A well-planned spares and tools inventory is essential.
Recommended spares:
- Split pins, clevis pins, shackles, lashings
- Dyneema strops, rigging tape, friction rings
- Spare halyards and mechanical terminals
Essential tools:
- Bolt croppers, spanners, screwdrivers, wrenches
- All stored clean, rust-free, and easy to access
Be prepared for a mast climb. While a last resort, it may be unavoidable offshore. Practice in port, establish a clear communication protocol, and photograph key areas of the rig beforehand to refer to at sea.
3. Deck-level inspection before departure
A systematic deck-level rig check in the days before you leave is essential. Involve the whole crew. Walk bow to stern, inspecting:
- Standing and running rigging
- Chainplates, turnbuckles, furling gear, and deck fittings
- Halyards and sheets for chafe near clutches, blocks, and mast exits
- Fasteners and cotter pins for tightness and security
Use a checklist tailored to your yacht and document everything.
4. Routine checks underway
Daily rig inspections at sea are your best defence. These don’t need to be complicated, just consistent. A five-minute check at each watch change can identify issues before they escalate.
Encourage crew participation and stay alert for:
- Chafing and wear on sheets and reefing lines
- Unusual tension or strand separation in shrouds and stays
- Unexpected noises or vibrations under sail
5. Post-passage inspection
On arrival, resist the temptation to relax before giving your rig one final inspection. Compare your notes and photographs from pre-departure, document any changes and plan repairs before your next leg. This is also the perfect time to evaluate how your systems performed and refine your preparation for future passages.
In summary, a seaworthy rig is not the result of luck – it comes from professional preparation, disciplined maintenance, and crew vigilance.
By investing in a thorough inspection, carrying the right spares, and adopting a disciplined routine, you can set out on your ocean crossing with confidence, knowing your rig is prepared to go the distance.
For inspection services, rigging products, or further technical advice, contact the Advanced Rigging & Hydraulics team.