Strop for temporary stay or shroud

[stephenlloyd]

Depending on sea conditions, I would definitely consider fashioning a strop of sorts, in addition to any suitable halyards. I've managed a few different situations, all depending on rig type, where you want to add support etc. For instance, at the lowers, a length of spectra rolling hitched (with a couple of half hitches at the end for safety) around the mast just above the spreaders works well. Basically, all you want to do is make sure you are putting most of the load that the strop creates onto the rig itself, and not any specific fittings ie. the spreaders. Thats why I generally use a rolling hitch, with at least 3 turns. For a mast head strop, check out the fittings, and once again employ the hitch, using whatever suitable fittings are up there to prevent the hitch from sliding down the mast. Uncovered spectra (or vectran, or any other low stretch fibre) works especially well as it 'bites' better than covered rope when using the hitch. Of course you must always be aware of UV damage to any uncovered section.