CUYC Rigging & Splicing One-Day Course

This one-day shorebased course in rigging and splicing is a technical course aimed at anyone with an interest in how yachts are rigged. There will be something to learn for both novice crew and seasoned skippers alike, although you will get most out of it if you have been out sailing on a yacht at least for a Summer Programme trip or several weekends as some of the content is quite technical. It is hoped the course will improve the general awareness of rigging problems and solutions throughout CUYC!

The syllabus covers standing rigging and spars (stays and masts) and running rigging (ropes), going above and beyond the typical knowledge you would acquire in the RYA training syllabi alone. The course is split with a morning of theory talks and an afternoon of hands-on, practical lessons in splicing, with each student being given different kinds of rope to complete their own splices, which they can take away with them if desired.

The reason for this course is to satisfy students’ curiosity, based on numerous questions I have found I typically receive while instructing within the RYA framework, as well to try to give more experienced sailors and skippers some advanced maintenance knowledge that will help them be better prepared to deal with rigging concerns while already at sea. 

 

Course Format

Taught in-person in Cambridge, location TBC

Sunday 17^th May 9.30am – 5pm

 

Course Content

Standing Rigging Theory

• Different rig types (Bermudan sloop, ketch, gaff, schooner, aero, etc.)
• Construction and assembly of spars (i.e. riveting, spreaders, loading paths)
• Standing rigging terminology and components
• Basic awareness of how rigs are tuned
• Maintenance and common problems

Running Rigging Theory Session

• Reminder of different ropes on a yacht and their purpose (e.g. including spinnakers)
• Construction of different ropes (3-strand, double braid)
• Common rope materials (Nylon, polyester, Dyneema, Vectran, etc.)
• Knots
• RYA basic knots + beyond!

Splicing Session

• Double braid & sailmaker’s whippings
• 3-strand & double braid eye splices
•  Dyneema brummel locking splice & soft shackle

 

Who is your instructor

My name is Callum Henderson, I am a former CUYC Commodore and now full-time professional sailor, teaching RYA courses on and off the water and having worked in a variety of locations from the Caribbean to the Solent. I have raced in the double-handed round-Italy offshore racing series, Il Giro D’Italia a Vela, on board a Figaro 3, as well as racing in the RORC Offshore Series back home. I have experience in the luxury charter industry, as well as a range of offshore deliveries. I also spent three years stripping my own project boat to the bare hull before rebuilding the interior entirely and installing all new engine, electrical and plumbing systems alongside my partner, Florence (also a CUYC skipper!). I love all things sailing and boat maintenance, and am particularly nerdy when it comes to splicing!