Baggywrinkle

[pugwash]

Do you need it when crossing the Atlantic with a Bermudan rig?
Could someone explain how to make the old-fashioned style of baggywrinkle out of bits of old rope?
And also, is there a modern and tidier alternative?
Thanks.

 

[Guest]

You only need it if you have rub points, especially, for example on the outer end of spreaders. You should be familiar enough with your sail plan under all modes of sail to know by now where the sail can rub against the rigging and need protection.

On our boat they were made out of short lengths of nylon rope, about 3/8", knotted tightly to the shroud then the ends trimmed to about 4" long. You keep tying them adjacent to each other until you cover the area that has to be padded. On a smaller boat, you might shorten them up to 2" for a smaller pad. Keep in mind that they will sag and collapse so it doesn't end up like a chimney broom.

I have seen a piece of soft stainless wire wound spirally arond the center and fastened at each end to keep it all tight.