All
the lines on a boat that are fixed to the mast in some way are called the
rigging. Those which move to control the sails are called the RUNNING RIGGING
and those that hold the mast up are called the STANDING RIGGING.
RUNNING
RIGGING is normally rope but on larger boats flexible wire is also used.
STANDING RIGGING is often made of wire and on some boats can be adjusted to
alter the shape of the sail by bending the mast.
RUNNING RIGGING
Rigging lines are usually attached to other things (such as
sails) by some form of fastening
called a SHACKLE.
These come in various sizes and open in a variety of ways.
(A) The most common type has
a screw-in pin, which can be tightened with a slotted spanner called a
SHACKLE KEY (often these are incorporated in sailor's knives).
(B) Another type simply has
a 'push and turn' keyhole pin.
(C) Spring loaded SNAP
SHACKLES open in several different ways some have triggers, but the most
common have a pull-out pin.
STANDING RIGGING
The tension in the standing
rigging is usually adjusted by turning a RIGGING SCREW (D). This has a
left and right handed thread so each turn either tightens or loosens the
rigging wire. Once adjusted, the rigging screw is locked in position by a
locknut (E), split pin (F) or locking wire.
Any signs of damage or
looseness in these fittings must be reported to the skipper.
The rigging wire is attached to the rigging
screw with a clevis pin and split pin. These are usually taped over to
stop them tearing sails.
The rigging screw is
connected to the boat via some form of toggle (G) which allows for some
degree of movement.
The toggle in turn is fixed to a chain
plate or strong U bolt. Again any signs of wear in these components should
be reported.
WATER
- the heads
On
a boat, the lavatory is called 'the heads', as in the past seamen used
to use the front of the boat or 'head' as a toilet. Today, the marine
W.C.'s vary quite considerably in design and operation, so, make sure
you understand how to use the one on your boat.
Basically,
they all suck in sea water through a seacock (valve) (A), flush the bowl
and pump it out through another seacock (B) (or into a holding tank).
Only
things which have passed through the body and moderate amounts of
lavatory paper can be successfully flushed away.
So,
women using sanitary towels should also take along a supply of disposal
bags.
To
prevent syphoning, the pipes carrying water to and from the lavatory
rise above the water level and the seacocks are turned off at seu, when
the system is not being used.
FRESH WATER
All
fresh water is carried in tanks (A), which are filled from the deck (B)
and the levels are checked either by a sight-tube (C) or dip stick (D).
Water
gets to the sink via a footpump (E), hand pump (F) or an electric pump,
whose switch often looks like a tap.
Waste
water drains out through another seacock (G) or into a holding tank
which can be pumped out later.
DO NOT WASTE WATER.
GAS
Bottled
gas is the main fuel used I'm- cooking and can be very dangerous.
Nuniuilly,
the bottle lives in a draining, cockpit locker which lets any escaping
gas leak overboard.
A STRUT SEQUENCE MUST
l\K USED TO STOP GAS ESCAPING
TO TURN ON
1.MAKE SURE ALL TAPS
ARE CLOSED. ASK HOW THEY ALL WORK.
2.TURN ON AT THE BOTTLE (A)
3.TURN ON THE MAIN COCK (B)
4.LIGHT THE MATCH
5.TURN ON THE BURNER
6.DISPOSE OF THE MATCH SAFELY
TO TURN OFF:-
If
you are going to use the stove again soon:
1.TURN OFF THE MAIN
COCK (B)
2.LET THE GAS BURN OUT
3.SHUT THE BURNER TAP
If
you have finished with the stove
1.TURN OFF AT THE BOTTLE
2.LET THE GAS BURN OUT OF
THE SYSTEM
3.SHUT OFF THE MAIN
COCK
4.SHUT OFF THE BURNER TAP
Liquid
petroleum gas is heavier than air so, any small amounts that escape,
sink into the bilge and might accumulate into an explosive mixture.
LIVING AFLOAT
Cooking
This is awkward on a boat due to the very limited .space and constant
movement. In rough weather, the cook and his utensils need to be firmly
wedged-in. The dangers of hot spilled liquids can be ivduri'd by wearing oilskin
trousers and boots and only part fill any containers that are used.
The sink
is a very good place to hold mugs while pouring out hot drinks as any spills go
straight down the drain.
Sleeping
Boats may provide sleeping bags or
you can take your own. All bunks should be equipped with 'lee-cloths' to stop
you falling out in the event of heavy weather. Although usually they aren't
needed and the gentle movement of the boat rocks you to sleep.
Tidiness
All gear needs to be kept in its
correct place so everyone knows where to find it. This goes equally for the
humble teaspoon as well as emergency equipment.
Often
lists of contents are displayed inside locker
lids to help with this.
Personal
gear should be tidied away to avoid accidents and to stop it getting soaked in rough
weather.
A hug
which you can live out of saves unpacking and
gives the contents a little extra protection
from the wet.
Try not
to drip onto bunks when moving bout in wet oilskins and avoid leaving your gear
just where it fell!
GOLDEN RULES FOR LIFE AFLOAT
Be
clean and tidy — wipe up any
spills straight away and pack everything away neatly.
Don't
leave lights on as this wastes the
boat's limited battery power.
Don't
waste water as only a certain
amount of fresh water can be carried aboard
and if its wasted, valuable sailing time has
to be used up refilling the tanks.
Be
tolerant.
DO'S AND DON'TS WHEN MOORED
ALONGSIDE
DO — Tidy the boat
up before going ashore
DO — Make sure all
the mooring warps and fenders are secured
properly (see page 33) and the ends of lines coiled neatly.
DO—
Look uloft to make sure that lines won't
knock against the mast all night.
DO
— Put the sail cover on to protect the mainsail.
DO
— Coil and stow the shei'ts
DO
— Look around the boat and report any signs of wear and tear to the
skipper.
DO
— Use some of your time in harbour to give the boat
a good clean. Use the dinghy to get down
and clean the hull.
DO
— Take in the ensign (flag) at sunset if the skipper has asked you
to do so. (It's e custom that the ensign isn't flown in harbour
between the hours of 2100 - 0800).
DO
— Secure the dinghy so it won't obstruct other people and so it doesn't
bump the boat all night.
DON'T—
Cross other people's boats by going through their cockpits. Respect their
privacy and go around by the foredeck.
DON'T — Look into open hatches or ports (windows).
DON'T — Jump onto decks
DON'T — Stand on stanchions, guardrails,
hatches or varnish work.
DON'T — Cross people's decks singing and
shouting. (Remember you'll be the inside boat one day — so set an example by
walking quietly.)
DON'T — Sit in the cockpit drinking and talking
loudly into the small hours — as your neighbours might be trying to sleep —
go below.
DON'T — Eat and drink too much if you are
sailing the next day.
