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The previous owner of 1683 used about 8 feet of 8mm rope secured with a bowline around the mast step and tucked away in the tramp pocket. This seems sensible, but I note that the Rigging Manual talks about a righting line stored in one of the beams. Is this a better solution, and if so how is the rope stored?
Hi Dave,
Forget about the righting line stored in the beams. The line is too short and few, if any, sailors use it. It is held captive in place in the front beam by a series of bungee lines. My boat still has it but I have never used it (and as many will tell you, I've had my fair share of capsizes and pitchpoles!). I, and everyone else, use a rope around the mast ball as you have indicated. I have two loops in the rope to allow me to attach it to my harness at different lengths depending upon whether I am righting from fully inverted or just on the side. There is an article on the Tips page which may help explain. Otherwise, we will go through this when we meet for the cat course.
Do feel free to give me a call to discuss further if you wish.
Happy sailing
As George says, you can forget about the righting line in the beam. Like most I use a line attached to the mast ball. I have knots to help grip, but also put a loop a couple of feet from the mast to act as a step just in case I have trouble climbing back on board.
