Submitted on March 13, 2006 by Vicki Byers

Question: We have a 1972 C&C 35. It has all original sails from what I can tell. We are planning on replacing the main and genoa this year. We had a survey done, by a non sailor and have never had the rig looked at for wear and tear by a pro. so we have no idea how old the standing rigging is. Should we have that inspected prior to ordering new sails?

Our main is not loose footed and would the new loose footed mains work on our older rig?

Thanks,
Vicki

Answer: Hi Vicky,

Yes, you should definitely have your rigging looked at. You should also have a rigger take a good look at the hardware and slots in the mast at all the connection points for the standing rigging and spreaders. If the rig is on the ground you can do a pretty good job of inspecting it yourself. Look at all the swag fittings on the ends of the standing rigging elements and look at the metal directly below any places where the rigging attaches to the mast. You are basically looking for cracks. Use a magnifying glass. If you find any cracks, get a rigger to give you advice.

There is no reason why you could not use a loose footed mainsail on any boom.

Best Regards,
Dan Neri

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