The Rig Shop (TRS) have recently developed a new system for the production of large size single piece Headstays for Superyachts.

Unavailable previously, the complex production system allows performance yachts to fit Nitronic 50 forestays in excess of 140', with a break strain of 150,000lbs (-150, 75 Tons, 25mm diameter).

One piece Rods up to 80 metres long which were never possible before are now possible. This enables yachts to be able to optimise rigs for increased rig tension, reduced forestay stretch and increased performance from better sail control. Previously, the largest single piece rod size was 115,000lbs (-115), but with developments in sails and rig control, the -115 rod suffered from increased stretch and reduced working life. If greater strength was required then forestays would have to be produced in larger rod with a link.

The new custom-made rod is the development of many months of testing and production. A purpose built facility was constructed for this production.

Drawing the Nitronic rod to the new size strengthens the rod and reduces its ductile properties. The last part of the process work-hardens the rod for performance use. The process even required the development of a new QCL lubrication system for the production process.

On test the production rod exceeded the designed break strength by around 5%. The World's first single piece, -150 forestay will be fitted to the J Class yacht "VELSHEDA" (see picture below) which has been re-rigged by TRS during the winter months.

This new Nitronic rod forestay development is just one of a series of exciting new products from TRS. A new "Bigboat" rope has been jointly developed by TRS and Liros for racing and cruising applications. Known as SUPERYACHT FGR, it features low stretch, with high abrasion resistance and high fatigue capability. This has already been selected and used by J Class and IACC yachts.

Already world leaders in the field of Composite Rigging, TRS supplied advanced Kevlar cable rigging for inner forestays for several of the J Class yachts in time for the Jubilee Regatta in August. TRS have also just developed a range of Custom Grand Prix racing yacht rigging terminals.