Historic rig specifications and layout for new builds and retrofits, from 10th Century to early 20th Century vessels (17th Century a specialty); cost estimating, design and manufacture of all elements including blocks, deadeyes, spars, all standing and running rigging, knights heads, pinrails, fife rails, etc.

Full written report with photo and video documentation of condition. Recommendations for needed repair or upgrade. Annual survey report recommended or at least at each haul out. Includes an onboard visual inspection of all rigging related gear, including mast partners and step, chain plates, standing rigging, deadeyes or turnbuckles, running rigging lines and blocks. Going aloft when practical to inspect connection points and spar/gear condition.

• standing & running rigging replacement

• splicing fiber (3 & 4 strand natural and synthetic, 6/8/12 strand including Amsteel/Dyneema, double braid)

• splicing wire (6×7, 6×19 class, 7×7) 1/8” through 1-1/4”

• seizings in fiber and wire

• worm/parcel/serve in natural or synthetic

• block repair, replacement and servicing

• sewn leather coverings for eyes, blocks, chafe areas, gaff jaws and saddles, oars

• baggy-wrinkle

• traditional sail repair

• canvas mast boots

• block stropping

• end whippings

• canvas deck & aloft bucket manufacture

• thump and decorative mats

• rope fenders

• tensioning of turnbuckle and deadeye & lanyard rigs

Design & implementation of fall protection systems, integrating 21st Century safety systems on historic sailing rigs to protect workers, crew & the public. Certified to instruct crew in best practices for fall protection & arrest while understanding the challenges of meeting those needs in traditional vessel rigs which were never designed for the particular stresses of engineered fall arrest attachment points. Assessing existing fall arrest programs & gear for compliance with OSHA & ANSI standards & practices.

Experienced lecturer on a wide variety of maritime histories offering in-depth analysis of traditional rigging materials & their inherent environmental sustainability in an increasingly plastic world. Including knot-tying workshops, teaching apprenticeships, presentations, labs/practicums, volunteer coordination, podcast, television interviews, & leading panelist discussions. Clients have included non-profits, universities, yacht clubs, boat shows, marine centers, museums & historical societies. Lectures can be tailored to the needs of the organization.

past topics include:

• The history of maritime rigging

• Sustainable practices in the maritime industry

• Art and Evolution of Freda’s Rig

• from the Golden Hinde to Pirates of the caribbean

• C.A. Thayer Last of the Lumber Schooners

• Nonsuch Restoration

• Traditional rigging in hollywood

• traditional vessel maintenance

• Fall Arrest on Traditional Vessels