SOUTHERN Spars, of New Zealand, are using Enerpac hydraulic cylinders as part of their Rig Pro yacht operations.
The 700 bar cylinders are used for tension rigging on several vessels, including ones which will sail in the Americas Cup. These units are typically used to hoist huge weights like bridges, buildings, trucks and machinery.
The company is placing the cylinders in pairs at the base of each yacht’s mast. The mast is then lowered as much as 33cm to relieve tension from the rigging. The rigging can then be configured for optimum performance.
After positioning the mast with the cylinders, it can be locked in with shims. The units can also be detached to minimise the racing weight.
According to the business, they use different cylinders depending on the size of the yacht. They use five ton units for the smaller 12m vessels. Cylinders with the capacity to lift 100t are used on craft up to 39m.
The rigging designer claims their operations require the same strength and reliability as industrial applications.
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