Traditionally gaffed rigged with dyneema standing rigging

[movenden]

Hi,

I've been spending a number of hours reading the forum / web about using dyneema rope for standing rigging. Most of the discussions have been directed towards "modern" sailboats where it would be replacing 1X19 SS rigging. I was hoping that some forum members could comment on the use of this material for a traditionally rigged heavy displacement vessel.

Our sailboat is a replica Brittany dundee (logoustier / tuna fishing). We are working on the rigging and are planning to launch next spring - the reason for all my questions lately on this forum.

I had assumed all along we would be using galvinised wire, but it really seems like the newer dyneema rope would be a better suited material. Considering the soft eyes around the mast hounds and deadeyes it looks like an ideal match. Is there something fundemental I'm missing or is it something we should be seriously considering.

From what I have gleemed from the web the biggest issue is the creep, which has been addressed by either using the heat treated rope or the DM20.

Question #1 - are there other materials that would also be suitable ? (considering a heavy displacement boat)

Question #2 - Can you use dyneema as a forestay with hanked on sails ?

Question #3 - I see some articles refering to an overbraid on the dyneema - is this a requirement or added protection ?

Question #4 - Considering the answer in question #3 - has anybody parcelled and served dyneema ?

Question #5 - Does the latest release of the rigger's apprentice cover HM rigging - what are the major updates compared to the older version ?

Any other comments / suggestions / thoughts are welcome !

Cheers,
Mark