Looking after your rigging & hydraulics this winter

A change of seasons

 As the leaves turn and the evenings draw in across the Northern Hemisphere, the energy on the water shifts. The summer buzz of regattas and offshore races eases, and a new phase of the boating calendar begins. Some of you may already be setting a course for warmer shores in search of new adventures - if so, be sure to give your rig a thorough check before heading offshore and we wish you fair winds for a safe and enjoyable season ahead.

For those staying closer to home, now is the time to prepare your yacht for the colder months. A little extra care now will go a long way to protecting your rigging and hydraulics, helping to prevent damage and ensuring everything is ready for smooth sailing come spring. In this guide, we share essential advice for winterising your standing rigging, running rigging, and hydraulic systems.

Why winterising matters

Winter brings its own challenges: freezing temperatures, heavy winds, and damp conditions can all take their toll. Without proper care, these elements can damage rigging and hydraulics, leaving you with costly repairs - or worse, a compromised boat - when the new season arrives. A proactive approach now will safeguard performance and reliability later.

Standing rigging

Rigging checks

Every yacht, regardless of how often it sails, should have a full rig inspection at least once a year. And offshore raceboats, pushed hard in heavy weather, should undergo checks both before and after each event.

• Professional inspection: Advanced Rigging & Hydraulics offers impartial mast and rigging inspections for yachts of all sizes and ages. Our detailed reports highlight any issues, provide annual maintenance records, and act as a valuable reference for the future.
• Self-inspection: If you prefer to check your rig yourself, carefully examine wire rigging for frayed wires, broken strands, or rust, especially where the wire enters the swage. Check that split pins, rings, and shackles are secure, and pay attention to spreader roots, rigging attachment points, and masthead sheaves.

Cleaning, lubrication & tension

• Wash rigging with mild soap and water to remove dirt and salt, then apply a quality lubricant to protect against corrosion.
• Check and adjust tension to reduce abrasion and movement in heavy conditions.
• Every few years, it’s worth unstepping the rig to dismantle, clean, and inspect all components. Advanced Rigging & Hydraulics can manage this whole process for you, from storage to recommissioning in spring.

Running rigging

Your lines and ropes also deserve attention at the end of the season. Proper care now will extend their life and maintain safety on board.

• Inspect: Look for fraying or damage, especially in high-stress areas such as winches, cleats, and blocks.
• Wash: Clean thoroughly to remove salt and dirt that cause premature wear.
• Replace: Swap out any worn lines. At Advanced Rigging, we supply a wide range of high-strength ropes from leading brands - Gottifredi Maffioli, Liros, and Kingfisher Ropes - custom-made and hand-finished with premium hardware.
• Store: Coil and store lines neatly in a dry, protected place to preserve condition over winter.

Hydraulics systems

Hydraulics are critical for both performance and comfort, and winter is the ideal time for preventative care.

• Inspection: Have a professional technician check hoses, fittings, and connections. Advanced Rigging & Hydraulics’ Sparcare service team are factory-trained in Navtec and Reckmann systems.
• Servicing: Flush and clean systems, change oil and filters, and replace worn components to avoid leaks or failures.
• Lubrication: Apply manufacturer-approved lubricants to moving parts such as winches, windlasses, and stabilisers to keep them running smoothly.

Ready for next season

By investing a little time and care into your yacht’s standing rigging, running rigging, and hydraulics this winter, you’ll enjoy the benefits of safety, reliability, and performance when spring sailing returns.

Planning a larger winter project or want professional support? Contact the Advanced Rigging & Hydraulics team - we’re here to help you keep your boat in top condition year-round.