Recently, Rigging Projects was tasked by a client to help decrease their IRC point certificate by removing the check stays from their mast, and to add a second deflector point onto their current top mast runner.
This, in itself, meant that we would need to overcome certain challenges:
- The work needed to be completed within an eight-week window, from the design to install stage, between regattas
- Lack of head room below to use current check stay ram meant that sourcing and supply of a new ram setup was required
In order to achieve what we wanted for the project, we were required to liaise with the Southern Spars design team to ascertain whether the proposed changes to the rig would work. Upon getting this green light, we then set to work with the boat’s naval architects, Vrolik Design, to come up with a concept design for the system.
It soon became clear that there were no standard footblocks in the current marketplace that would be suitable, so we tasked ourselves with finding a solution.
At the same time, we were also required to source a new hydraulic ram. Upon tendering, it was Navtec who came through with the best product for the job in terms of weight, price and delivery. Working to our strict deadline requirements, they managed to produce a custom ram and design a new 3:1 trunnion.
