Sailing NV · video

What this video covers

Tuning the carbon fiber mast on an Open 60 race boat requires precise hydraulic jacking and rod rigging tensioning to achieve a target compression of 14 tons. With the assistance of a mast builder, the crew uses a hydraulic jack at the mast base to insert shims, ensuring the rig remains in column.0:57 The cap shrouds are tensioned to 19% of their breaking strength, while the D2 and D3 diagonals are set to 8–10% using a rod tension gauge.9:59 After tensioning the D1 diagonals to 11% and securing the inner forestay, the total base compression reaches 14 tons.11:08 To reduce structural fatigue during extended periods at anchor or the dock, the crew removes a 10mm shim, which drops the system tension to 8 tons.11:23 This process demonstrates that rig tension is non-linear, as removing a single shim releases approximately 6 tons of compression.11:41

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