Restoring our sailboat's RIGGING: Backstay fix & Mast varnish with FPV Footage - Sailing Yabá 214

Bringing Yabá from wreck to dreamy! Episode 214
In this episode of our boat restoration, we take you up our masts to make them ready to receive the long-awaited sails! And while up there, we spot a huge sea creature. What was it?!
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🇧🇷 Legendas em Português em todos os episódios!
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💙 Who are we?
We are Ben and MP!
Recently we decided to purchase a two-masted wooden schooner in Brazil. The fun detail about our story is that the boat we bought was sinking and relying on many bilge pumps to survive so we had to lift it onto the dry to start a full refit. Once the boat was lifted (for the first time in her life) we realized that the work needed was much more than expected. Between bailing or accepting the challenge, we decided to go for the second option. Watch us as we bring Yabá back to life with the help of an amazing team of traditional shipwrights, sharing every phase of the process, overcoming the highs and lows and having fun along the way.
More about us:
👉 About us + Q&A
• What does MP stand for...
👉 more info about the project
www.sailingyaba.com
💙 Massive thanks to our amazing team of carpenters that never let us down and continue to amaze us at every step of the process: Toninho, Zeca, Hélio, Claiton, William, Nezo, Nico, Adilson, Beto and Luiz. YOU ARE LEGENDS!

[@SailingYaba]

Have you seen a sea lion before? We were so stoked about the encounter!!

[@creageous]

I have seen the sea lions that take over an entire wharf in San Francisco, CA, USA. They can get mean and aggressive, so nobody can't get onto the wharf. They are huge and have big pointy tusks that are very intimidating.

[@garybaris139]

I live in Cape Town South Africa and we have them frequenting our harbours and have become quite tame in the smaller fishing harbours. Some some are so tame that they perform tricks for the tourists in exchange for treats. In fixing the cap to the clamp below it, I'd not weld it because it will make future maintenance almost impossible without removing much of the rigging. Just weld brackets to them and bolt the brackets together. I fully agree with fixing the cable between the masts to the cap. the way it is now exerts a shearing force to the wood of the mast between the cap and the clamp the cable is fastened to. The chain you were looking at removing serves the purpose of preventing the extended piece of mast from being able to slide down. If you remove it (I agree that it is a terrible solution) you must replace it with something else that can perform the same function. Whatever you put in there must be pre-tensioned before you tension up your rigging else you may get the mast extension moving as you tension the rigging.

[@nmauch]

Yes there are a lot of them in Northern California! Wonder if they are following the penguins (that is, food) as they migrate? Looks like challenging work on the mast. Kudos!

[@kinbailey310]

Those walkie talkies come in headset versions so they are hands free. They have been dubbed the marriage savers by the Gone with the Wynns channel.

[@blaise2628]

FYI from a Google search... "When aluminum and stainless steel are combined, they can corrode due to a chemical process called galvanic corrosion. This happens when the two dissimilar metals are exposed to an electrolyte, which transfers electrons from the positively charged material (anode) to the negatively charged material (cathode). In the case of aluminum and stainless steel, the aluminum acts as the anode and is preferentially attacked, causing it to weaken and deteriorate faster."

[@hardhead5700]

Didn't see any dissimilar metals joined in this video.

[@johnnunn8688]

@@hardhead5700I saw what looked like bronze but I don’t think it was joined to anything 🤷‍♂️.

[@gardnep]

I think it was all stainless, full marks for the welding, any process even drilling is not easy.

[@Jonathand.Elixson]

I can't get over Yab'a looks in the water, sets in the water so nice. Y'all hard work paid off. Congratulations!!!

[@SailingYaba]

Right? She's so beautiful! After so long on the hard we kind of forgot... but we are in love now!

[@edwardtimberlake4646]

Hi Ben. Nothing is simple! I am impressed with your ability to work up the mast as and deal with the height, and other related stuff. I realise this is not being very helpful, but I have been curious to know for before you launched, why you did not have the masts dismounted, and deal with their total maintenance and restoration at that point and when it would, to all intents, have been easier. Hope you will enlighten me, and of course I wish you all the luck in getting them fixed while in position, and afloat. Good luck and stay safe. Ted

[@jamesvanian5524]

For your determination and hard work. All the best. James.

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you so so much James!!

[@malreynolds9591]

It's Sunday, so it's Yaba time :)

[@peterrahill9263]

"Yabá-dabá-DOO!" Yes - another good and fun episode.

[@allenclark1914]

Every time you show Yaba with the drone shots it is amazing , thinking of the long journey and how she looks so beautiful in the water. Of course every day you continue to make her closer to getting dressed in sails and finishing projects. Love your episodes, ❤ as always much love and best wishes .

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you so much!

[@jonathenbishop1119]

Y'all have come such a long way in your journey. We are proud of you, two.

[@SteinVarjord]

About the mast top attachment steel thingy: The whole thing is wrong. Don’t repair it. Sure you can weld on a longer tube to improve it some, but this was rigged for tourist sailing, only light wind sailing. No matter how much you improve it, it’s still just wrong. It creates huge bending loads and point loads on the wood. That’s a major failure waiting to happen, at the worst possible moment… Do something completely different, like take inspiration from how classic boats are rigged. Big loads need to be aligned, not create huge bending loads as this is. The most classic way is to have spliced loops at the end of ropes or wires. They have a leather padding and are put around the mast top. Then there are wooden blocking under them to keep the from sliding down the mast. This is the simplest possible way, which will always align and has the fewest possible failure points. It’s also lighter and cheaper. The rig has massive forces when the weather is up. That’s when you really need the rig to work. Motoring without sails in big waves is a nightmare. And yes, I’ve sailed across big oceans many times. Also designed and built some boats. Not just an armchair “specialist”. Don’t mess with essential structural elements of the boat systems. This piece is undisputedly one such.

[@briansmythe3000]

Unfortunally They Don"t want Too hear Constructive Critisim, all They want Too hear is great Job Every thing Is Fine , If they really Do plan on taking this boat out In the Open ocean , It will be Under way more stresses as your Pointed out , Than it was designed for

[@tomeidt7057]

I've tried to comment things like this before. They must know by now this isn't really a sailboat. They're just keeping up the expectation of their viewers who seem to be mostly non sailors or amateur sailors. Dismal sail area with a round keel and not nearly enough weight. Someone crudely adapted some found rollerfurling headsails to a tourist boat. She's gonna be a pig to sail. It'll be an good coastal cruiser if the engine holds up. The sails will save fuel on anything below a beam reach in light winds. She might even motorsail to windward a bit

[@craigkaschan4822]

As someone mentioned this should have been done on the slip. Good job can’t wait to see Yaba sailing again.

[@simsjef]

Ben when you were cutting with your reciprocal saw, I thought of MP because her electrical work allowed you to charge batteries for the saw. What a great team you both are and good neighbors sharing your electrical power and your welder with others. This is one great channel.

[@scorsagain]

That mast transformation was beautiful. Please stay safe.

[@gardnep]

Sea lion probably ate the penguin. Who need the gym when you are climbing a mast. Great job to lend your power. Thanks for the video.

[@jackrichards1863]

F Yea! You're the real deal Ben. Up that mast doing it the way sailors from the days of square rigs get up there and make it happen and no mistakes. Though I'm lost for any reason not to have done the masts up before they were raised while in the shipyard?😂 Nice size house on the water . Very cool.

[@aaronpaul5990]

The mast is such a nice wood ... and its thankfully easy to tell which part you have sanded and which part isnt yet xD

[@SailingYaba]

true!!

[@bobuncle8704]

Seeing you spend so much time up the mast takes me back to my youth. I spent almost 10 years in communications, and I did do most of the tower work for the company. Much of it was 60’ to 150’, but there were a few times I was at 400 feet. Boy, oh boy, how I miss those days.

[@chupitos2269]

That's a great job! The mast is looking really nice. Instead of pulling the rope you could lock it at the base of the mast than using 2 prusik or marchand knots to ascend on the rope, one knot tied to your chest and the other one with a strap to your foot, you just straight your leg while moving up the chest knot, then put your weight on the chest knot, bring up the leg knot and repeat. It takes a bit of coordination but when you mastered the technique you'll be up the mast in minutes! Plus if the rope is long enough MP from below can undo the side you're not tied in and lowering you down to deck if needed. As always fair winds

[@DonFarmer-hq5sw]

Ben here’s an idea for sanding under the shrouds. Buy a couple of belt sander belts , about one inch wide and thirty inches long. Cut them and hold one end in each hand to pull the belt back and forth, sanding the side away from you. 😊

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

Hire a large pipe lini 2:34 shiner with sanding belts long and wide enough to wrap half way round a mast or boom.. just keep it moving so you don't get steps in what your sanding.

[@jonasmichaelmoir9378]

Looking great guys! I totally understand how difficult it is to finish projects that aren't the funnest things to do... Always starting is harder than the work itself...Cheers from Ukraine!:)💙💛

[@niemanjulie]

The transformation of the boat's appearance is truly remarkable, and both of you are extraordinary!

[@Davidcallard]

Just a thought: when you hoist your sails for the first time. Do it in a light air and raise the sail slowly while keeping a sharp eye on the rigging of the. mast for any signs of the strain anywhere. Best of luck to you and MP 😅❤

[@JCKR-yv4gy]

Wow. My stomach turned just seeing you getting up there.

[@seanhanlon5867]

Be very care when welding anything stainless with electrodes, the slag very often pings right off and makes a B-line for the eyes..wear safety specks with that stuff Ben. I'm a welder myself and that shit is dangerous. 👊🏻👋🏻

[@douglasburch2320]

Excellent progress!! As always, thanks for taking us along.

[@dcallan812]

great video 2x👍 Nice to see the rigging and sails getting some attention, Yabá needs to ⛵.

[@stevejohns6672]

WE LOVE YOU GUYS.........

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you!! ❤

[@TheStinsonsteve]

Looks awesome! You guys are kicking ass!

[@webb1141]

Fresh shrimp is an awesome meal

[@theradioweyr]

I have been wondering for years when the masts would get some love...

[@SailingYaba]

The time has come 😄

[@dgrant2467]

It's a bit late now, but from what I could see, the chain set up is what holds your top mast up at the top of your main mast. Based on Tally Ho's set up, the collars are there to allow you to lower (or raise) the top mast and do not provide support for the top mast. Hope that information helps! All the best!

[@inknpaintCW]

impressive working at height without losing every piece as I would have! Nice work

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you!!

[@curtyoung3153]

A real sailor hangs on with his toes when he is aloft.

[@robertjerome1889]

I 've watched you since your beginning buying a SINKING boat.ha.. Can't wait to watch you sailing the WORLD !!!

[@SailingYaba]

We can't wait either! Thank you for sticking by!

[@Kamikaziidare]

Ben, to sandpaper in difficult places and up against fittings and rigging, take a flexible ruler or stainless steel ruler and wrap a layer of blue painter’s masking tape around the length. You can then either use aerosol spray contact adhesive or broad double sided tape to paste the sandpaper grit of your choice to the rule and get into those difficult to reach places. Nice thing about stainless steel rulers is they normally have a hole, you can tie a string or lanyard through the hole to secure it to your tool belt in case you drop it

[@gordonagent7037]

MP I saw you hugging that tree (mast) you little greenie. Ben, it’s no wonder you’re as skinny as a rake, the amount of climbing and activity you do on the boat, really good job of the mast cap, extending it was a great idea. Have a great week guys……Ben I think you need to take MP somewhere warmer, I’m sure I could see her shivering

[@NavegasEsPReciso]

Amei o lobo marinho! A natureza cumprimentando a Yabá!! GO YABÁ!!

[@kirklumsden8107]

Great job. Nice the mast getting some attention.

[@denisebrooks4513]

Focusing on getting the rigging in the best condition that you can is your best investment. A rigging failure can set you way back.

[@Maxdekriek]

wow I can't find the wricht words for it but you guy's are the best ...living the dream ,one day at the time!!... every day some progress is made and Yaba is coming more and more to life! ... Thank you guy's soooo much for sharing this life long project and i wish you all the best and cant wait til i see you guy's sail the oceans !!! greetsz from friesland...max p.s i said it before and say it again... Ilove you guy's.....you are the best!!!!!😉😊💛💙

[@brentchalmers1436]

....but that is AMAZING welding stick with a solar panel....whod'a thunk it!!!

[@MrSychnant]

Doing the masts and getting the rigging sorted will be the "icing" on Yaba's cake !!

[@Kevin15301]

Anxious to see you all on the open ocean with all the sails hoisted.

[@maurofabiokoch4857]

Watching the video I can understand how much love you guys have for the boat and your project. Congratulations, you guys are amazing!!

[@lbb101]

That dinghy so .... :D One just must love it. Even so a full wooden dinghy is somehow the only thing that fits Yaba.

[@k.s.1871]

oh to be young again and have that much ambition !

[@franksmith3602]

You have to put the chain back, with the collar, down lower... And make it very tight.... It tranfers, the load pulling FOWARD, down on the main mast.... Read, BASIC engineering books. On cantilevers... Rome s used it 2000 years ago...

[@sailingsjofagel]

What a job..!! Super nice to have that one out the way, and I admire your tenacity to press on with such a difficult working environment, dangling from a rope, sanding and varnishing. Hope it goes well for the next stage. Soon she'll be sailing..!! Woohoo..!! ❤

[@creageous]

Nothing makes you stronger than climbing.

[@rustybonner]

Have you ever thought about using the windless to hoist you up the mast?

[@mtescari]

the episodes are getting better every week! Specially now that you are doing most part of the job (nothing against having someone working for you). congratulations!!!

[@Maxdekriek]

Yes monday morning and Yaba time!!!!!( i was watching tour de france)

[@ernestospadolesto8126]

Good episode, you guys always have something going on. Good work, good KZbin.

[@SailingYaba]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@cetterus]

Yaba is a big girl. There will always be something. When Ben and MP start to combine exploration, sailing and maintenance- it will be even better.

[@michaelsams7727]

Great job and video. Love the team work

[@richardchiriboga4424]

Thank you for sharing your life with us!!!!❤❤

[@johnb4183]

Going up and down the mast looks like a workout , great job guys !

[@AnyBodyCANInspire]

Hi, you too, Please consider purchasing a Minnkota instinct, electric bow, driven troll motor and remotely controlled docking, buddy

[@chandrasutton4669]

Great progress this week!!!😊🎉❤

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you!! 😊

[@richierich2208]

So good to see you get the big jobs done!!! The varnish is looking super amazing and so vibrant. Keep up the work!!❤ Yabá may be in the water, but she is still a work in progress. 🎉

[@Papawman]

Being a Good neighbor is important wherever you are.. ;-)

[@SailingYaba]

True!! ☺

[@johncorreia9041]

MP, needs a wave runner, so she can keep up with those cool Animals 🦈🦑🐟🐠🎣🐡🐡🦄🐊🦜🐸🐟🐬🐋🐳🦖🐉🦎

[@user-ji2nv2vd6r]

It's going to take time. Great video. Stay safe, and have a wonderful week ahead. See you guys on next Sundays video

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you so much! See you next week!

[@jaymarlin3565]

AWESOME..!

[@stevelansdowne]

Another great video showing how you’ve become an accomplished craftsman!

[@patraic5241]

I was really surprised that when you had the hull dismantled that you didn't unstep the masts to work on them. Then restep them once rebuilt.

[@davidascher1801]

Beautiful, you're in your element!

[@Petenz81]

You should add a couple of gussets to the angle between the mast collar and the aft connector bar

[@cartertanya1258]

Because you have a topping mast your cap would normally go forward to the firler forward of the mast countering the back stay . What would be better is to modify the cap round the topping mast to the firler in front

[@vancguy9204]

Looking good!

[@cartertanya1258]

Rebuilding the cap longer sleeve is a good idea ,but you need to sort a forward tensioner, which it appears that turnbucket chain was for eventhou it looked poor it was doing a job

[@craigmob1358]

You're a braver man than me. I feel dizzy just watching this

[@johnnunn8688]

Bartering gives me maximum pleasure. I have a large allotment and it great to swap some beans for a haircut, mixed veg for a pint of beer, love it.

[@somadevo]

Great episode...Highest Blessings

[@michaelcharters5727]

uncoil extension reels when welding. If loaded high currents it will melt the cables

[@saxophool]

I watch your channel and a couple other sailing channels and I think, "I should be doing that!" But then someone gets up the top of the mast and I think, "Glad I'm not doing that!" Maybe a solar powered motor boat for me. 😊

[@timothytardiesr576]

Keep being awesome team.

[@chrisevans8455]

Great job Ben. I always worry when I see people climbing and working on masts. You appear to be quite comfortable with it. Very impressive.

[@B.E.Long.63]

Yaba Daba Do, Your vessel sits in the water so well, Looking good.

[@virgilviereckjr.6881]

Great video, Thanks for sharing. Take care, all the best, & God bless.

[@rolandtb3]

Making changes and improvements. Getting more comfortable working up high. Took necessary precautions and did not drop anything. One mast sanded, varnished. At least you got some good weather and flat seas.

[@Flysimware]

“Ben is an amazing person, MP is an amazing person, and I’m so lucky to know both of you.”

[@timjohnson4614]

Ben, please replace the cotter pins in the top of the forward mast port side. It looked like it had a nail instead of a pin. Don’t want any failures 😊

[@phlodel]

I'll bet you could get people to pay for the privilege of sanding and varnishing Yaba. I've been watching since the beginning. I'm impressed with how competent you've become.

[@mwatkins2464]

I very seriously doubt that you could find free labor. That’s crazy 😂

[@DougAdams-uo1ee]

I would be free labor just for the opportunity!!!!!!

[@mwatkins2464]

@@DougAdams-uo1ee Internet labor is easy to find till the hard work starts. It’s easy to say that from an air conditioned room at home.

[@chrisclarke3670]

Hard work for sure; too bad you couldn’t have done before launching. You’ll get it done though like you’ve done all along. 😎

[@kirbygulbrandsen4507]

It still looks like you haven’t chained that outboard to the transom, for safety. Also it will be hard for someone to steal it, that’s sad but true. Watching from Panama City Florida,USA. 🇺🇸🦅 28:45

[@billhadden7219]

You 2 are dam awesome working together. Yes , sail equipment first and then others. Time to set the board up in order of importance . Your doing great. Love the view. Maybe you can mount a camera up there. Carry on.

[@boooshes]

I think you are approaching the rework and rigging at the right pace. Despite the clamoring for getting sails up, taking your time to ready the ship and yourself is a good investment. And when you start sailing, pick easy downwinders with just a head sail and slowly work your way into more sail over some time. Invite experienced sailors to share the early learning periods. Enjoy what you need to do now and let the thrills of the next steps come slowly.

[@fishbustin7926]

You learned a lot from those Shipwrights.

[@claudehopper9813]

Ben & MP i'm sure you know how much pressure ( load ) will be on the mast & rig when under full sail . Your work on the mast & rig is super critical the forces you'll be dealing with will be extreme . Likewise , i was surprised that Yaba doesn't have winches on the masts . I have confidence in your ability to work out any challenges ! Go Team Yaba !

[@lbb101]

These traditional Brazilian sailboats wer originally build with free standing masts and with square/gaff mainsail. The standing rigging is really an "extra strengthening". It's indeed not necessary to hold the mast up - like in most modern sailboat types. Where a broken stay quickly leads to dismasting. That's why they could leave the complete standing rig loose so far. They actually explained that in previous episodes and decided to keep/go with the extra of a standing rigging for added strength like the previous owner.

[@jimilipi5493]

These are not the aluminum 'straws' of our modern boats and the slenderness of the rigging is much less like a schooner. it's tough.

[@stvooplayhouse]

Love it ❤

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you! ❤

[@marialinakeil8257]

Vocês 2 são incriveis.E como é bom poder ajudar os amigos.E uma troca mutua🐶🐶👏👏👏⚓⛵🇧🇷

[@janzuidam2892]

Even from on my couch it looked scary seeing Ben up the mast 😮

[@SailingYaba]

We thought it was cool to share Ben's point of view so it would seem like you're the one up in the mast. Did that work? 😄

[@user-qt1kb2lp6f]

I so know the feeling of wanting to be under sail and can't wait , just like you ❤

[@joseramos7476]

great work, getting closer to sailing guys.

[@ChileExpatFamily]

We see Sea Lions and Penguins all the time here in the South of Chile. Come down to Patagonia and you will see lots of them. Jim

[@SailingYaba]

How lucky you are!!

[@kevinmartin3859]

Good luck with the mast its great when it has been sanded great job by the both of you 😊😊

[@russgrant512]

Get a hard hat for those below whilst you're up above working with loose tools and ensure that those below stay well clear whilst anyone is working aloft. I saw you wiggling that spanner around like you were on the workshop floor. You gotta tighten up on safety routines. We need you both safe and sailing the seven seas smiling.

[@bASICMiner]

really enjoy the quality content.. a nice time

[@user-ob1xw9kf5l]

At your place MP, I would like to do the same like you, that means exploring the area and swimming 😊😊😊

[@jamesallen712]

Sorry guy's, you are going to hate me for this. Looking at the mast, standing rigging and the attachments I think you need to head back in to the yard and get it all replaced. Theres a lot of load on that mast and mast gear. For a life on the water that really needs sorting ashore before you raise sails and go.