Preparations
VulcanSpirit
Richard & Alison Brunstrom
Sun 21 Nov 2010 07:41
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Going across the Atlantic on the Trade Winds route
involves, we hope, lots of downwind sailing. This means that if we use the
mainsail (the big one behind the mast) that the sail is pressed by the wind onto
the mast and spreaders (the horizontal bits that hold the wire rigging away from
the mast). The constant movement of the boat at sea then causes chafe as
the sail rubs against the metal fittings. If not guarded against the sail can
wear through very quickly. So we put anti-chafe measures in place. Here is Tom
in a climbing harness halfway up the mast fitting B&Q pipe lagging to the
lower spreaders with duct tape to protect the sail. Those of you shivering in
the UK might note the winter sky behind him.
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