Application of composite materials to yacht rigging

The rigging of sailing vessels has always evolved to take advantage of the best materials available at the time. Standing rigging on a sailing boat are the tension members (lines, wires or rods) which normally remain in constant position while the vessel is under way. Running rigging are those elements which are moved whilst the boat is sailing to raise, lower and control the sails. The progression from natural fibre ropes through steel wire and rod rigging has now led to composite materials being used for rigging. In addition to looking at the history of this development, this chapter discusses the design requirements of modern yacht rigging and describes the composite materials which are currently used for this purpose.