Pre-Atlantic Crossing Rig Check

The Atlantic crossing puts more sustained load on rigging than almost anything else cruising boats do. Three weeks of constant trade-wind pressure, wave-induced impact loading, and significant heat all reveal weaknesses that coastal sailing never finds. A thorough pre-crossing rig inspection has saved many crossings.

What a thorough rig check covers

Bottom-up

Chain plate inspection — looking for cracks at attachment points, corrosion under sealant.
Lower terminals — swages, bolted fittings, turnbuckles. Crack-test with dye penetrant if possible.
Standing rigging wire — look for broken strands at every terminal, surface corrosion, kinks.
Turnbuckle threads — clean, lubricated, properly secured with cotter pins or split rings.
Spreader bases and tips — corrosion, cracks at attachment.
Mast step — water intrusion, corrosion, structural integrity.
Boom gooseneck, vang attachment, reef points.

Aloft inspection

Masthead hardware — sheave bearings, halyard exits, windvane mounting.
Upper terminals — same crack-testing as lower.
Spreader tips — cotter pins in place, wear on chafe protection.
Antennas, lights, hardware all secure.
Mast surface — corrosion under fittings, paint condition.

Common findings

Cruisers report the most common pre-crossing rig issues are: chafe damage on halyards (replace), broken individual wire strands at terminals (replace whole stay), corroded spreader-tip hardware (often overlooked), and mast-step water intrusion. Less common but serious: cracked chain plates (catastrophic if missed), failing swages on older boats.

What to replace prophylactically

Standing rigging older than 10 years tropical / 15 years temperate — full replacement, regardless of visible condition.
Halyards older than 8 years tropical use.
Any stay where one strand is broken at a terminal.
Spreader tip hardware showing any corrosion.
Cotter pins (cheap; just replace).

Where to get the work done

Las Palmas is the obvious choice for ARC-prep — multiple riggers, parts in stock, and the deadline pressure of an actual departure date. Lagos is a good earlier choice with more time and fewer crowds. Gibraltar handles emergency rigging well. Cruisers report rig replacement on a 40-footer costs USD 4,500–8,500 in materials plus rigger labour USD 1,500–3,000 in Las Palmas.

Frequently asked questions

When should I do the check?

6–8 weeks before departure. Time for parts to arrive if needed.

DIY or rigger?

Hire a rigger. Independent eyes find things you miss on your own boat.

What to replace?

Standing rigging older than 10 years. Halyards 8+. Any visible damage.

Cost?

Full standing rigging replacement USD 6,000–11,500 turnkey for a 40-footer.

Best place?

Lagos or Las Palmas; Gibraltar for emergency.