Dinghy sail rigging checklist—step mast, secure shrouds, hoist sail, test tiller response

Dinghy sail rigging checklist — step mast, secure shrouds, hoist sail, test tiller response 1. Unlash mast from deck cradle. Inspect heel tenon for salt rot — sand and oil if grey. Step into tabernacle, pin with 10mm clevis and split ring. No improvising. 2. Shrouds: port/starboard 4mm Dyneema, pre-stretched. Attach to chainplates via soft shackles — splice eyes, seize with whipping twine. Tension even, mast rake 2° aft. Check alignment by sighting up luff groove. 3. Forestay to bow fitting. Backstay to transom pad — adjustable tackle, 3:1 purchase. Snug, not bar tight. 4. Sail: dacron main, 4.2m², reef points at 1/3 and 2/3. Hank on luff, tack to gooseneck pin, clew to outhaul car. Halyard — 6mm polyester, lead to jam cleat on mast. Hoist full, cleat off. Watch for snag at spreaders. 5. Tiller: alloy extension, universal joint at rudder head. Test full sweep port/starboard — no bind, no play. Rudder blade kicks up on grounding; verify cam cleat holds. 6. Sheet lead: midships traveller, 4:1 mainsheet. Run free, no twists. 7. Gear stowed: paddle, bailer, VHF, knife, spare shackles, 20m towline. PFDs worn. 8. Launch. First tack in shelter of lee shore. If tiller loads hard, ease sheet, check rig tune. Come back if it fights you. Shortwave on channel 16. Radio check before casting off.