Topic: Seizing the Spreader Ends
Hello Everyone,
As I near the end of my "rigging education," there is this other issue.
In the following reference materials:
1. Toss's Rigger's Apprentice book
2. Adlard Coles' Heavy Weather Sailing
3. Cruising World magazine article (from 20 years ago)
They have mentioned the importance of "seizing the upper shrouds to the spreader tips."
However, none of these sources gave any details at all about how one might perform this task.
When I bought my boat, I saw no evidence that this had ever been done. In fact, the rig was standing at the time of purchase and the upper shrouds were free to slip about at the spreader tips.
It does seem like "seizing the spreader tips" might increase the strength of the rig, however, I do wonder whether it would break the spreader if the shroud parted?
Perhaps this is just something that all the books say to do, but in practice, no one really does it?
I'm wonder what all you veteran Contessa sailors have been doing in regards to this issue and what your opinions are?
Thanks again,
I cannot say how helpful this forum has been in getting the advice I need to finish my refit!!!
Brian