Handbook on Mast, Rigging & Sails Published Soon

'Rig Basics' will be launched on15 September, 2012,  at the Southampton Boat Show (Kelvin Hughes stand J001, Solent Hale).

Rig Basics - How to Look After Your Mast, Rigging and Sails provides a concise, informative and clearly-written outline of what every yacht or sailboat owner or operator must take into account when looking after the mast, rigging and sails. It is also a highly useful guide to what a surveyor should be looking at when surveying a rig.

Written by Kim Skov-Nielsen, a hugely experienced professional yachtsman and active marine surveyor, this book explains how commonplace occurrences such as corrosion, pitting, and cracking could be the first indicators of serious problems.

With the aid of clear and instructive diagrams and photographs, Skov-Nielsen also provides a step-by-step approach to effective and preventative maintenance of the mast, rigging and sails. He tackles often complicated procedures in a highly accessible, competent and engaging way. Every sailor – new or experienced – will find valuable insights and suggestions in this user-friendly, compact guide.

Quotes:
1 – Kim Skov-Nielsen:
‘Get to know your rig – don’t just assume it is up there. Inspect it often. Work out a safe system and climb the rig often. Take your camera with you and take photos instead of notes. Keep a rig log. It’s not good enough to inspect the rig from the deck with binoculars – someone has to climb up.’
2  - Harold Cudmore, internationally-renowned yacht racing skipper and match racer:
‘Kim trained with us on America’s Cup Class yachts. He has raced and sailed professionally worldwide, and his experience enables him to explain rig issues clearly. This book is a must read for every owner and crew.’
3 – Tom Cunliffe, well-known yachtsman, journalist and author:
‘This book is long overdue and, to be blunt, no skipper putting to sea across the bar should be without it.’

Petrospot, based in Oxfordshire, England, is an independent publishing, training and events organisation focused on the maritime, energy and transportation industries.