Abstract: With reference to FIG. 2, a mast (10) for a sailing vessel is provided with a guide (25) for guiding halyards (19) along the mast and for maintaining the halyards in spaced apart relationship.The guide (25) comprises a track (13) for sail slides and batten cams, extending longitudinally of the mast (10), a track support (11) of elongate form located between the track (13) and the mast (10), and a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart guides (14) located between the track (13) and the mast (10), the guides each being provided with a plurality of spaced apart apertures (17) through which the halyards (19) extend.

Abstract: A method of constructing tubular spars, particularly spars for use on sailing vessels, includes the step of placing in a channel section mold, a layer or layers of fiber reinforced plastic material to form part of the periphery of the tubular spar. Side wall portions of the mold are then removed and longitudinally spaced formers are placed along the plastic part of the spar that was in the mold. A sheet-like skin is placed over the formers and is secured to the formers. A further layer or layers of fiber reinforced plastic material is then placed over the skin to form the remainder of the periphery of the molded tubular spar.

Abstract: A sail batten for use in stiffening a sail comprises an elongate rectangular member (10) provided in its mid region with a channel section portion (11) which rises from one surface (12) of the batten, the channel section gradually decreasing in height from one end of the batten to the other so that the stiffness of the batten varies along its length.

Abstract: A method of constructing a rudder comprises the steps of producing two female moulds each having the shape of half the rudder and stock, moulding in each mould one half of the blade and stock portions (11, 12) of the rudder, removing the moulded halves from the female moulds, placing the two moulded halves in face contact with each other and then securing the two moulded halves together to form a rudder having integral stock and blade portions (11a, 12a).

Abstract: A sail rig for a sailing vessel or a vessel provided with auxiliary sail propulsion comprises a mast, a continuous yard/boom provided on the mast, a backstay, a main sail located between the mast and the backstay, a forestay and a foresail mounted on the forestay 17. The mast and the yard/boom are rotatable or the yard/boom is rotatable relative to the mast, and the foresail comprises a plurality of ribs spaced apart along the stay and through which the stay extends and an outer covering of flexible material placed in contact with and secured to the ribs.