How to Rig a Star Boat

The International Star class sailboat is a 22-foot, two-person keelboat popular with both casual sailors and sail racers. Star class racing was an Olympic medal sport in 17 of the 18 Summer Olympic Games held since 1932. The boats feature a simple, elegant design that has changed little since the first Star was built in 1910. Unlike many other racing classes, Stars do not use a spinnaker; they rely on only a mainsail and jib for all of their power. Correctly rigging a Star class boat is critical to gaining maximum performance from its sails.

Things You'll Need

  • Allen wrench
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare the upper and intermediate shrouds before stepping the mast. Pull the shrouds from the top of the mast and mark their length against the mast in pencil. Measure the difference in length between the upper and lower shrouds. Depending on sailing conditions, the upper shroud should measure between 2-1/2 and 3 inches longer. Changes the shroud positions by adjusting the length of the intermediate shroud. Make sure you measure and adjust the shrouds on both sides of the mast.

    • 2

      Set the spreader sweep on the mast. Spreaders are horizontal spars that separate the shrouds from the mast. With the mast track down, sweep the spreaders into the upwind position. Tie a thin shock cord to each upper shroud just below the spreaders. Measure the distance from the mast to the shock cord. The distance should be about 5-1/2 inches. Adjust the spreaders using the Allen wrench if necessary.

    • 3

      Step the mast. Rig the backstay and headstay to their chainplates. Then rig all shrouds through their chainplates. Measure the distance from the back of the mast butt to the transom to ensure the mast has been rigged according to your boat manufacturer's specifications.

    • 4

      Check the setup of the lower shrouds. Mark a point on the mast 3 feet up from the top of the stepping band. Draw the lower shrouds together through their chainplates to tension them. Measure the distance between the lower shrouds at the point marked on the mast. The distance should be between 28-1/2 and 29-1/2 inches. Adjust the position of the chain plates with the Allen wrench, if necessary.