Running Rigging Care 101: Prevent UV, Chafe & Salt Damage

Sail Trim Course - https://www.nauticed.org/sailing-courses/view/basic-sail-trim R&W Rope - https://www.rwrope.com Keep your running rigging safe, smooth, and long-lasting. In this complete guide, we cover what degrades sailing lines (UV, salt, abrasion, heat/glazing, shock loads, chemicals), how to inspect halyards/sheets/control lines, when to replace, and the simple routines that extend service life—washing, drying, chafe protection, end-for-ending, and smart storage. What you’ll learn Degradation sources: UV, salt crystals, abrasion at hardware, heat/glazing on winches/clutches, shock loading, chemical exposure Inspection routine: sheath fuzz/pilling, core exposure, flat/hard spots, glazing/melt, hockles, stiffness, cover-to-core slippage, discoloration/mildew When to replace: exposed or damaged core, severe glazing or deep cuts, persistent hockles/twists, hard/flat spots near winch/clutch zones, slip in splices/terminations Make lines last: freshwater rinse, mild wash (no bleach/solvents), dry out of sun, chafe gear at rub points, fairlead alignment, correct clutch/winch sizing, reduce sharp wrap angles, end-for-end rotation, retire high-load lines to lighter duty, splice out worn sections, whip ends properly #sailing #sailor #sailboat