Sailing enthusiasts are always on the lookout for ways to improve their vessel’s performance and durability. One such upgrade that can make a significant difference is replacing the traditional wire rigging with Dyneema Colligo Dux. This innovative solution not only enhances your sailboat’s overall performance but also offers a host of other advantages.
Colligo Dux, on the other hand, is a synthetic, high-performance standing rigging alternative that offers numerous advantages over wire, making it an attractive option for sailors looking to enhance their boat’s capabilities.
All of our standing rigging is wire and most it is new. Our inner forestay had a furler on it when we bought it. We took the furler off (it burned in the shed fire), and bought a new hank-on staysail, but the inner forestay was old and it was time to change it. We opted for a Dyneema Colligo Dux inner forestay.
Colligo Dux is significantly lighter than wire rigging. This reduction in weight aloft can lead to improved boat stability, better performance, and reduced heeling in strong winds. Lighter rigging also puts less stress on your boat’s structure, potentially increasing its lifespan.
Unlike wire, Colligo Dux is immune to corrosion. This means you won’t have to worry about rust or other corrosive issues that can weaken traditional rigging over time. Your rigging will stay strong and reliable for years to come.
Colligo Dux is easier to handle and work with than wire. It’s more flexible and doesn’t develop memory like wire does, making it easier to install and adjust. This can save you time and effort when setting up or modifying your rigging.
Colligo Dux has an excellent track record for durability, even in harsh marine environments. It’s resistant to UV radiation and can withstand the wear and tear associated with sailing, ensuring that your standing rigging remains strong and dependable.
Thanks to its lightweight and low-stretch properties, Colligo Dux can lead to improved sail shape control and overall boat performance. You’ll experience better responsiveness and maneuverability, especially in challenging conditions.
With benefits like weight savings, corrosion resistance, ease of handling, increased durability, and enhanced performance, Colligo Dux stands out as an excellent choice for sailors looking to get the most out of their vessels.
Sailing is a delightful blend of art and science, and as any sailor knows, the right equipment can make all the difference. One crucial aspect of sailing performance is running rigging—the ropes and lines that control the sails.
Before diving into the installation process, it’s essential to select the right running rigging. The choice of materials and types of lines can significantly impact your sailing experience. For this upgrade, we’ve opted for Marlow double braid, Sta-set double braid, and Sta-set Endura braid for different applications.
Marlow double braid is known for its strength and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for critical control lines like the staysail sheet. Its durability and ease of handling ensure smooth sail adjustments and responsive control in various wind conditions. We really like the hand-feel of the Marlow, but it is a little more expensive than other lines.
Sta-set double braid is a versatile and robust line that works well for controlling mainsails. Its ability to absorb shock and resist stretch makes it a dependable choice for handling the mainsails’s sheet, allowing for precise sail trim and maneuverability.
For our preventer, where low stretch and high strength are essential, Sta-set Endura braid shines. It provides the necessary reliability and security when when sailing downwind.
We had an Enkes winch mounted on the mast for raising the mainsail. But the tailing jaws didn’t quite fit the main halyard. We replaced the Enkes with an Andersen 35 two-speed, self-tailing winch. The new winch grabs the main halyard better than the Enkes.
Installing new running rigging on our sailboat significantly enhances our sailing experience. We recommend handling different brands and types of line to determine which you like best. Choosing the right lines for each application, such as Marlow double braid, Sta-set double braid, and Sta-set Endura braid, ensures that you have the strength, durability, and flexibility needed to control your sails effectively.