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Drumming of Daybreak

MASTING AND RIGGING

The bowsprit and masts were now stepped and their yards and fittings made up. Most of the blocks and rigging tackle are made of hard cherry wood. The masts are select walnut and the yards English fine grained oak (A little bow to history). The standing and running rigging is linen line in a variety of diameters. Most of it I spun on my homemade rope walk, which I made from old mechano parts. The scale rope was then wormed, parceled and served as required. All the ratlines were hand knotted unto the shrouds. (Just ask me if I know how to do a clove hitch).

While Longridge’s book is very good, the information on how he rigged his ship is confusing. Therefore, for the rigging sequence I used a great little book that I picked up in 1977 for two dollars. I don’t know if it is still available, but this little gem is called “H.M.S. Victory” by Noel Hackney. It contains a very detailed description of how to rig a plastic airfix model with over 200 steps from flying to jib boom to rudder pendants. There is even a step-by-step sail rig for those so inclined. Rigging was completed May 2000, 5300 hours.