The Rig Whisperer

Before heading into heavy weather aboard Osprey, I'm out on the foredeck for my evening deck check. It's something I do routinely at dusk and dawn, looking for anything that might become a problem once the wind and seas build. In this short video, we look at some of the rigging choices and systems on the foredeck, including the tack strop used to help secure a hanked-on headsail. We also talk about becoming a bit of a “rig whisperer.” By putting the side of your head against the rigging, almost like wearing headphones, you can actually listen for noises and vibrations coming from aloft. It's a surprisingly useful way of getting to know what your rig is telling you. This is just a quick glimpse into a normal offshore routine rather than a full technical walkthrough. If you'd like a more detailed tour of everything I inspect during my dawn and dusk deck checks, let me know in the comments and I'll make another video covering the whole process. SAIL ABOARD OSPREY IN 2027 We're inviting sailors and supporters to join us aboard Osprey for a programme of offshore racing and ocean passages in 2027. Our planned events include: RORC Transatlantic Race — Lanzarote to Antigua, January 2027. RORC Caribbean 600 — February 2027. Antigua to Bermuda — an offshore passage through the Atlantic in April. Rolex Fastnet Race — August 2027. These are opportunities to experience genuine offshore sailing aboard a powerful 80-foot ocean racing yacht, learn from the challenges of operating her, and become part of the wider campaign. Places are available through our sailing sponsorship programme, which supports Osprey's preparation and our longer-term racing ambitions. If you're interested in joining us, please contact me through CSM The Mariner. Tell me a little about your sailing experience, which event interests you, and what you'd like to achieve. SUPPORT THE GLOBAL SOLO CHALLENGE CAMPAIGN Osprey is being prepared for the Global Solo Challenge, a solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the world. The work we're doing now, from rigging and sails to the smallest details of reliability and maintenance, is all part of preparing this extraordinary yacht for the demands of sailing alone around the planet. It's a substantial undertaking, and your support makes a real difference. PATREON If you'd like to help make the Global Solo Challenge campaign possible, support the ongoing work on Osprey, and follow the project more closely, you can join us on Patreon. https://patreon.com/themariner THE MARINER'S LIBRARY A collection of classic sailing and maritime literature, bringing some of the greatest stories of the sea to life. https://themarinerslibrary.podbean.com THE MARINER PODCAST Conversations about offshore sailing, seamanship, ocean racing, adventure and the practical realities of life at sea. https://www.themarinerpodcast.com CSM THE MARINER Our website is being updated and will soon provide more information about Osprey, the sailing programme, and the Global Solo Challenge campaign. https://csmthemariner.com