Rigging

Rigging Data From Sail-S2.org 6.9 METER RIGGING AND HARDWARE The S2 6.9 meter sloop carries a non-masthead rig which was designed to be structurally very sound, yet maintain performance without sacrificing ease of handling. From its 5/32" stainless steel standing rigging to the internal halyards, which are led aft, the 6.9's rig will be able to meet the needs of racers and cruisers alike, Through proper tuning and maintenance the mast, together with the sails, will be the main source of power for your 6.9m sailing season after sailing season. RIGGING THE 6.9 MAST When rigging the mast, a good first step is to make sure,that the halyards are all in their proper locations, Be sure to check the halyards thoroughly for any chafing or damage to the line, splice and wire that might have occurred during the previous sailing season. Replace any worn or damaged halyards at first indication of fatigue. Before step- ping the mast, secure all shackles to base of mast, double checking for tangles. This sure beats a ride up in the Bos'n's chair. LOWER SHROUDS The gib fitting on the lower shroud can be inserted into the socket which is located on each side of the mast, just below the spreader bracket. The rubber plug can then be pressed into the socket to prevent the shroud from falling out while trailering or step- ping the mast, Once stepped, the lower shroud turnbuckle will be pinned in the forward hole of the side chainplate. SPREADER To install the spreaders, insert the spreader over the brackets which are fastened to the middle of the mast section on both sides of the mast. The bolt which is supplied can then be inserted and securely tightened. It should be noted that there is a star- board and port spreader, as they are drilled individually. If the holes for the spreader brackets do not align with the holes in the spreaders, they may be reversed. UPPER SHROUDS The gib fitting on the upper shroud can be inserted into the socket which is located on each side of the mast, just below the mast head. Then, lead the shroud down to the spreaders and insert them into the spreader tip. A spreader boot or tape should then be applied to prevent any sail chafe or damage. Once stepped, the upper shrouds turn- buckles are attached to the aft hole of the side chain plate. HEADSTAY The jaw of the head stay can be pinned in place using the hale in the headstay tang which is located in the center of the halyard exit box assembly just below the head of the mast. The carter pin should be neatly bent to prevent any chafing at the halyards at this paint. The headstays turn- buckle will be attached to the chain plate on the front of the tack plate on the bow, NOTE: If a head foil is to be used for the head sails, it is easier to do the installation of this foil before the mast is rigged and stepped. BACKSTAY The marine eye at the backstay should be attached to the clevis pin on the aft end of the mast head crane. While this is being done, the fixed topping lift should also be attached to the same clevis pin, so that the backstay and tapping lift are supported by the same pin. The turnbuckle can be attached to the backstay bridle plate. Finally, the backstay bridle can both be attached to the two aft chain plates on the aft outbaard corners of the transom. FINAL INSPECTION Before stepping the mast, a final inspection is a good practice, which may catch a small problem before it becomes a major one. You should take a careful look at all clevis and cotter pins; making sure they are properly bent and taped. This is for safety and to prevent any chafing or sail damage. It is also a good idea to check all lights on the spar to insure their proper working order. This can be done with any 12 volt battery charger, and this is the time to catch any bad bulbs or connections rather than waiting till the mast is stepped. If it is the first time the spar is to be stepped, extend all the turnbuckles to their longest adjustment; pinning them to the chain plates is much easier when they are fully extended. Finally, mount any weather vanes, antennas or spar flies to the mast just before stepping. These are very delicate so use caution when handling. HANGING THE BOOM Once the mast is stepped and pinned, the boom can be brought on board and hung. It will be pinned at the gooseneck with the clevis and cotter pins provided, and then hung from the cap on the back at the beam by the fixed topping lift attached to the tap of the backstay. The main sheet system can then be attached to the boom bail and to the traveler.