Rigging Check in Trinidad: Our Most Expensive Washers

Rigging check in Trinidad — or the story of our most expensive two washers.

Part 1 of Aurelia Blue’s annual rigging service took place today. A few replacement parts are still on their way, so the remaining work will follow during a second visit.

First, a word about our rigger in Trinidad. His name is Chris — just like my husband — and he is exceptionally experienced, careful and thorough. We are genuinely pleased to have someone working on Aurelia Blue who takes the time to inspect every connection properly.

What Happens During a Rigging Check in Trinidad?

On a sailing yacht, the mast is supported by the standing rigging: strong stainless-steel wires and fittings that hold it from the front, rear and sides. The forestay runs from the masthead to the bow. The backstay supports the mast from behind, while the shrouds support it from the sides.

These parts carry substantial loads whenever the yacht is sailing. That is why a complete visual and mechanical inspection is carried out regularly. The rigger looks for movement, wear, deformation and corrosion — especially at terminals, pins, sleeves and other connection points.

During this inspection, Chris found several items that we will renew step by step. One apparently minor issue, however, needed attention immediately: two worn polyamide washers at the upper forestay connection.

Why two small washers became a major job

The washers themselves are simple components. Their location is not. They sit at the top of the mast, where the forestay is connected.

Our friend Ali, a skilled metalworker, manufactured two precisely fitting replacement washers and an additional metal sleeve for us the evening before. The next challenge was installing them safely.

The forestay cannot simply be opened while it is carrying the normal load of the rig. First, the relevant parts of the standing rigging had to be carefully eased. A strong temporary line was then secured from high on the mast to the bow.

With several strong hands on deck, the mast was gradually pulled forward while the tension was reduced in a controlled way. At the masthead, the mast moved roughly 20 centimetres farther forward than in its normal position. Only then was the forestay loose enough for the upper connection to be opened safely.

Work at the masthead

Chris, the chief rigger himself, climbed to the top of the mast. There he removed the securing pin and inspected the forestay terminal and surrounding components once more.

Fortunately, the main forestay fitting did not need to be replaced. The new polyamide washers and the custom sleeve were installed, and the connection was secured again with a new split pin.

Once Chris was safely back on deck, the entire process was reversed. The mast was returned to its proper position, the standing rigging was brought back under tension, and the temporary forward line was removed.

The most expensive washers on board?

In the end, the new parts were only two polyamide washers and a small sleeve. But replacing them required custom fabrication, three specialists, controlled unloading of the rig, coordinated work on deck and a climb to the masthead.

That is what makes apparently inexpensive parts expensive on a yacht: not necessarily the material itself, but the access, the skill, the time and the care required to replace them correctly.

We are very glad that Chris found the wear during the inspection. Small signs are much better discovered and corrected at the dock than under sail between Caribbean islands.

Watch the rigger explain the repair

In this short video, Chris explains what he found and what had to be done before the upper forestay connection could be opened.

This was only Part 1. A few additional components are still on their way and will be replaced during the next rigging visit. We will document that work as well.