Five secrets to add life to your costly running rigging

12:39 AM Fri 1 Jul 2011 GMT

'Rigging and Sunset' Captain John Jamieson Click Here to view large photo

How can you extend the service life of your costly halyards, sheets, anchor rope rode, docking lines--or even those extra pieces of line stuffed in your sail-lockers? Follow these five 'line-life-saving' tips on a regular basis aboard your cruising sailboat: 1. Wash and Dry Before You Stow! Did you realize that nylon line, like that used for docking lines or anchor lines, can lose up to 15% of its strength when wet? Or that wet line, stowed in a dark, dank sail locker presents a prime breeding ground for mold and mildew? At the first opportunity, wash your anchor rode ...

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by Captain John Jamieson