TOPIC:

Hi All! I have just bought and old Fosrite with the aim of getting it up to mid fleet standard. Rigging is basic and I have yet to sort control lines etc (or even put the mast up!). My two initial questions concern the mast set up and shrouds:



1) Does the mast need a wooden block or chock at deck level similar to the Solo? And if so, should this go in front of or behind the mast? Also, is fitting a mast ram an alternative and a reasonable proposition with an old (weak?) Fosrite hull?



2) The shrouds appear to have "throw away levers". I have heard these can be modified by welding, but does anyone have any old modified ones available? As my crew is relatively inexperienced anything that can be done to make their job easier would be a great advantage. Or should I just not worry about using them at first while I get to know the boat?

As I have previously sailed manly singlehanders and I have a novice crew I am looking forward to getting the Albacore on the water and learning to sail her as soon as we can!



Graham Birch

Albacore 5859

Hi Graham
Welcome to the class.
Wooden chocks in front of the mast to control bend will do the job, a couple of different thicknesses will allow some variation. You can put t he chocks behind the mast in very light winds to force some pre-bend (as long as the gate is strong enough). If you want adjustment on the water a ram could be fitted at deck level with suitable mounting to spread the load, but I wouldnt recommend a strut on an old Fosrite as Im note sure it would take the deck loads of a strut.
The mod that is often done to levers is to add a small handle to assist in releasing them, it also helps to reduce the risk of trapping fingers when closing them too. However, these are only realy needed when the wind is up and the tension is on the shrouds, in which case I woulnt worry about them too much to start with.
We have a training day at Maidenhead on Saturday 4th April I would be happy to go over things with you then if you want to bring the boat up. Then there is our open meeting on the Sunday - The open has a Silver fleet prize for those with older boats and/or who are new to the class, you would be most welcome.

Regards
JohnW2009-03-04 12:26:54

Graham, I'd like to second John's welcome to the class - and if you can come to the Dinghy Show at Alexandra Palace, London this weekend you'll be able to meet John and others, see two Albacores on the stand and get access to all the boat bits you will ever need!