Welcome to The Rig Loft
Set sail with confidence, knowing you’re backed by the unrivaled craftsmanship of The Rig Loft. As passionate seafarers and experts in the art of sailboat rigging, we are devoted to helping classic sailboat owners navigate with ease and precision.
At The Rig Loft, we provide bespoke rigging solutions that blend the charm of traditional sailing with the efficiency of modern techniques. Our extensive expertise in both traditional and modern rigging ensures that your vessel performs its best while preserving its timeless appeal.
Whether you’re preparing for a leisurely journey across the bay or gearing up for a classic regatta, our dedicated team is here to provide professional consulting and fine-tuned solutions that meet your unique needs. Dive into our comprehensive suite of services and let us guide your voyage toward optimal sailing performance.
Welcome aboard, and let’s catch the wind together at The Rig Loft.
Services
Traditional Rigging:
We are proud to preserve the art and craft of traditional rigging, using time-honored techniques and materials to maintain the authenticity of your classic sailboat. From the application of hand-sewn leather to the construction of traditional rope rigging, our meticulous attention to detail ensures your vessel maintains its historical integrity.
Modern Rigging:
We understand the importance of evolution in sailing, and we're committed to incorporating modern rigging techniques into our services. By utilizing contemporary materials like Dyneema and stainless steel, we can increase the performance, durability, and safety of your sailboat without compromising its classic aesthetic.
Custom Yacht Rigging:
We offer bespoke yacht rigging services tailored to meet your specific requirements. We can handle a wide range of tasks, from standing and running rigging replacement to custom splicing, ensuring your yacht is rigged for optimal performance.
Rigging Consultation:
If you're unsure about what your sailboat needs, or if you'd like advice on maintaining or improving your rigging, our consultation services are for you. We offer in-depth assessments, professional advice, and detailed plans to help you make informed decisions about your rigging needs.
Rigging Workshops:
At The Rig Loft, we believe in sharing our knowledge and passion for rigging. We offer workshops for sailors interested in learning about rigging techniques, from basic skills like tying Flemish knots and splicing ropes to advanced rigging practices. These hands-on sessions are a fantastic way to deepen your understanding of your sailboat and enhance your seafaring skills.
Seamanship and Safety:
We don't just rig sailboats—we ensure their owners have the knowledge and confidence to sail them safely. Our services include teaching vital seamanship skills and ensuring your sailboat's rigging is designed for optimal safety on the water.
Terminology
- Breaking length: when the rope is hung vertically, the length of rope that would cause it to break, due to its weight.
- Breaking strength: the estimated load that will cause an undamaged rope to part.
- Cable-laid rope: a nine-strand rope or three-strand ropes laid together to make one rope.
- Chenille rope: rope made from chenille, a tufted, velvety material.
- Cockle/knuckle: a strand kink that interferes with the strength and utility of the rope.
- Cotton rope: rope made from the natural fiber cotton, known for its softness and non-abrasiveness.
- Denier: a unit of weight expressing the size of most man-made fibers and yarns. It is the weight in grams of 9000 meters of yarn or fiber. The lower the denier, the finer the yarn.
- Fiber: a fine, flexible structure that can be woven, braided, or twisted to form twine, cordage, or rope.
- Filament: the smallest element that makes up the individual fibers of a rope.
- Hank: a loose winding of rope.
- Hawser-laid rope: a three-strand rope.
- Kink: an abrupt bend or loop in a rope due to an unbalanced twist in the structure.
- Laid rope: rope made by twisting three or more strands together with the twist direction opposite to that of the strands.
- Left-laid rope: a rope that is twisted clockwise. Also referred to as S-lay.
- Manila rope: rope made from the fiber of the abaca plant. The oldest and most widely used form of rope.
- Multifilament Polypropylene (MFP) rope: Polypropylene is the lightest of all synthetic fibers and is known for being lightweight, rigid, and for providing a high strength-to-weight ratio. MFP rope, also known as derby rope, is composed of many fine, continuous filaments ranging from about 5 to 10 denier.
- Nylon rope: nylon is a generic term that encompasses a group of chemical compounds known as polyamides. It is a textile, and can be formed into monofilaments or yarns. Nylon rope is known for its toughness, strength, elasticity, high melting point, and resistance to water and chemicals.
- Paracord: also known as parachute cord, is a lightweight nylon rope originally used in the suspension lines of parachutes. It is now used for a large variety of general utility purposes.
- Plaited rope: an eight-strand rope.
- Right-laid rope: a rope that is twisted in a counter-clockwise direction, the most common twist. Also referred to as a Z-lay.
- Rope: a length of strong, flexible, compact cord composed of twisted fibers.
- Rope Splicing: the forming of a semi-permanent joint between two ropes or two parts of the same rope by partly untwisting and then interweaving their strands. Splices can also be used to form a loop or eye in a rope.
- Shroud-laid rope: a four-strand rope.
- Tensile strength: the load at which a new and undamaged
- Twine: an aggregate of fibers that have been twisted into a balanced structure, often used for tying or binding. May be twisted or laid.
- Yarn: an aggregate of compacted fibers, often twisted into a cylindrical form to form a strand.
About Us
About Matt Otto and The Rig Loft
A seasoned rigger and a passionate sailor, Matt Otto, has made a distinguished mark in the sailing world. His extensive rigging experience spans iconic sailboats like the USS Constitution, Mayflower II, Amistad, and Charles W. Morgan. This rich maritime heritage laid the foundation for The Rig Loft, a hub for premier rigging solutions for classic sailboats.
But Matt’s heart lies in serving everyday sailors. At The Rig Loft, every sailboat, big or small, is treated with equal meticulousness and commitment to excellence. Matt’s profound understanding of seamanship coupled with his rigging skills enable him to offer unrivaled guidance to our clients.
The Rig Loft is where time-honored traditions meet modern innovations. We value each vessel’s history and work diligently to enhance its performance and safety. Join us at The Rig Loft, where the love of sailing propels our commitment to exceptional service. Let’s sail into the future together.
