Upper Forestay Connection

[Stef]

This summer we had a scary situation. The upper forestay pin had lost it's retainer and the pin came out of one side of the clevis only. It remained in place since it was wedged between the other side of the clevis and the tang on the mast. We were very lucky it didn't dislodge as the mast would have come down.
I have asked another 7.9 sailor what he has as a retainer and he emailed a cotter pin. I believe I had a cottor RING but not really sure. With the halyards running against it at times it would only be a matter of time before this happens again.
What do the rest of you 7.9 sailors do or have?

[Tim Bosma]

We use a cotter PIN. We have it wrapped in tape (as best you can) around the tang and all. I think a pin is less likely to snag (especially wrapped) than a ring. We rewrap each launch.

[fleck]

I've used pins and rings and have seen evidence that they both have tried to commit halyardcide. I put a small glob of silicone over the ring or pin to keep it from catching on halyards.

[ADS]

Had a split ring fail and lost the forestay upper clevis pin a few summers ago - while close reaching in 20kts with full main and #3. The jib kept the rig up long enough to drop the main, run a halyard forward and pin it to the stem fitting. No harm done, apart from the luff of the jib.

The tape and/or silicone ideas are good ones. Might even consider 5200 instead of silicone as the former adheres better. We also check the fitting a bit more often now.

Apart from that, make sure your class dues are paid so that you have access to the new rig extrusions at a discount - just in case.

[Tom Olsen]

Use a split cotter pin (not a ring ding) but the key is using a custom made clevis pin just long enough to protrude through the tang and toggle and being able to insert the cotter pin without much if any slack. This keeps the cotter pin close to the toggle and it will not foul an hallyards if you completely bend it around the pin. I used a ring-ding for years and one year I took my mast down and it was gone - really lucky!