Independent guide: Race entries must meet the Australian Sailing Special Regulations and event documents. This checklist complements, not replaces, them.

Quick answer

Before an offshore passage, confirm the rig's age and condition with a professional inspection, fix everything found, sail the boat hard, re-tension, and pack spares and tools to rebuild a stay. At sea, inspect the rig daily and fight chafe continuously.

Before departure

  • Professional rig inspection including aloft, or a mast-out service
  • Standing rigging age documented; replaced if old or unknown
  • Chainplates inspected on older boats
  • Furler serviced; spare furling line
  • New or inspected lifelines and jackstays
  • Running rigging inspected and chafe points protected
  • Spare halyards rigged for main and headsail
  • Heavy-weather sail options on a dedicated stay — see cutter rig
  • Shakedown sail in 20+ knots and re-tension

Spares and tools

  • wire the length of the longest stay, with mechanical terminals
  • clevis pins, split pins, rings, toggles and shackles
  • Dyneema line for lashings and jury stays
  • rigging tape and chafe gear
  • bolt cutters or a hydraulic cutter to clear a broken rig
  • bosun's chair and a way to go aloft safely

Daily at sea

  • binocular check of the masthead and spreaders
  • walk the deck: pins, rings, turnbuckles, chainplates
  • check halyards and sheets at every sheave and lead
  • listen for new noises

Frequently asked questions

How long before an offshore passage should rig work be done?

Ideally with enough time to sail the boat hard in a breeze afterwards and re-tension the rig, and to fix anything the shakedown reveals. Many sailors aim to finish major rig work several weeks before departure.