Short answer

Prepare for a re-rig by photographing and measuring the existing rig before anything is removed, recording current tuning settings, labelling every wire and halyard, clearing access to chainplates and the mast step, and agreeing in writing what happens if extra work is found once the mast is down.

Record the rig before it is dismantled. Photograph every terminal, turnbuckle and fitting, count turnbuckle threads or measure exposed lengths, and note the current rake and tension settings. Once the rig is off the boat, that information cannot be recovered — and it is what makes re-tuning straightforward.

Label everything. Tape and mark each shroud and stay as it comes off, and mark halyards before they are pulled. Messengers left in the mast for every halyard save hours and avoid the classic problem of a halyard lost inside the spar.

Clear access below. Chainplate attachments are often behind joinery, lockers or headlining. Access gained before the yacht reaches the yard is access you are not paying yard rates for.

Plan the parts nobody can see yet. While the mast is out, masthead fittings, wiring, sheaves, spreader roots and the mast step are all far cheaper to address. Decide in advance which of these you will authorise. See how to budget for a re-rig.

Step by step

  1. Photograph the whole rig

    Every terminal, turnbuckle, tang and chainplate, before anything is touched.

  2. Record the tune

    Note rake, turnbuckle thread counts or exposed lengths, and any gauge readings.

  3. Label and mark

    Tape and label each stay and shroud; mark halyards; leave messengers in the mast.

  4. Clear access

    Open up chainplate attachments, the mast step and any panels the rigger will need.

  5. Strip removable gear

    Sails, running rigging, instruments and anything vulnerable to yard handling.

  6. Agree discovery in writing

    Set the threshold beyond which the rigger stops and quotes rather than proceeding.

Key facts

Do before dismantling
Photograph everything and record the existing tune
Saves the most time
Messengers left in the mast for every halyard
Saves the most money
Access opened up before the yacht reaches yard rates
Decide in advance
Which mast-out extras you will authorise

Full background: read the guide