The challenges of using epoxy to fit big backing plates for our Dyneema chainplate loops in a December in North Wales. Will the epoxy cure?

As we have tested our Dyneema chainplates loops to 4,000kg we need to make sure we have great backing plates for them. They need to be strong enough to sail around the world on our 44 year old boat!

We are changing all the standing rigging on our 1977 Rival 38 to Dyneema synthetic rigging. That includes all shrouds, stays and even the chainplates for both masts of our ketch rig.

If you would like to encourage us then you can support us on Ko-Fi! https://ko-fi.com/sustainablesailing/

This is the fourth episode in our Dyneema series that will cover all the design choices, the practicalities of a completely DIY re-rig and then how it works out when we go sailing.

Our goal is a rig that is:

• stronger
• lighter
• cheaper
• allows us to sail faster
• lasts longer
• can be DIY maintained even replaced, anywhere in the world

We are refitting a 44 year old Rival 38 for a Sustainable Sailing retirement in a few years. Two years ago, when we bought Vida she was in a very tired and damp condition with all original equipment and fittings (much of it not working). We have removed all the gas, diesel and paraffin equipment, and are installing all electric (motor, cooking etc).

We have fitted new FR4 backing plates for the mizzen chainplates, this shows fitting the backing plates for the main mast on the port side of the saloon..

Our Chainplates are essentially an overhand knot soft shackle with the "eye" above deck (the shrouds get lashed to this). The knot is below the backing plate.

Lots more detail on our blog at https://sustainablesailing.net/

Visit our shop at https://sustainablesailing.teemill.com/ for hoodies, t-shirts and bags.

#DyneemaRigging #DyneemaStandingRigging #BoatRefit

Track: Liquid Sky Music by Slip.stream: https://slip.stream/tracks/a25036a9-e83e-41a0-b03d-f006bf32f29d