Above Deck

While I'm working below deck, in that little engine room, I'm also working above deck with a rigger from True North Sailing Service, Rob Mundell. We've checked the shrouds ( the cables holding the mast in place, think of a radio tower with those steel cables holding it up and you've got the picture ) and the roller furling ( the device that allows us to roll up the sails instead of raising or lowering them ). Seems it's time to replace the shrouds, all 10 of them! After 29 years of service it's time. The good news... the connecting hardware is good and does not need to be replaced. I bet they don't make parts like that anymore!

The new shrouds hold the Flag proud, not to mention the mast. The roller furling by ProFurl still works fine after all those years.

If only "Forever" could talk, what an adventure story she could tell. Her logs show that before we got her she had sailed the Greek Isles, Spain, England, Scotland, Iceland, Canada and from Main to South America. She's may be a little worn but she's a fine ship. She'll be ready when we are.