The supply of running rigging to the VO65 Class has possibly been one of the largest running rigging projects ever undertaken.
The Volvo Ocean Race has been the premier offshore racing event since the first Whitbread Round the World Race started in 1973. Towards the end of the 2011-2012 Edition the decision was taken to develop the a One Design Yacht in order to increase reliability and level the playing field for the competing teams.
The VO65 was designed by Farr Yacht Design and in order for enough boats to be built it required a consortium of four yards to produce all the composite components in time. Green Marine were responsible for the assembly of all these parts and the commissioning of each yacht.
Early on in the project Green Marine contracted Offshore Rigging Services to supply all the running rigging used on the VO65. Additionally Offshore Rigging Services were also commissioned to carry out the following:
- Consultancy and input into the spar package, sail interface, deck layout and equipment;
- Installation of running rigging and corresponding deck gear;
- Structural Testing of each VO65 before it is launched and
- Sea trials following each launch
Our challenge with the VO65 was to deliver a package that would fit the One Design ethos of reliability, high performance and replicability – the success of the class depends on the boats being identical.
The VO65 build schedule did not allow for any testing throughout the build phase- the rigging had to be right first time.
We spent literally hundreds of hours designing the specification of each of the 400 lines and strops used on board to ensure each met the load and handling requirements involved. Each critical item was independently tested to ensure adequate safety factors were in place.
In addition to supplying the initial set of running rigging, Offshore Rigging Services provide all the replacement running rigging to all seven entries. The VO65s will be pushed to their limits around the 38,739nm course and it is critical the running rigging is replaced at the right time to keep the teams performing at 100 percent.
Production
Since we started production of VO65 running rigging we have built over 6500 individual items, each made to the same exacting high standards. Offshore Rigging Services worked with a software designer to develop our own custom database that details the construction method for each product ensuring our team can consistently produce identical components.
Innovation
Very early on in the project we realised the importance of recording production details. Owing to the magnitude and profile of the VOR we decided to develop a system that enabled us to identify any ‘critical’ line or strop and understand its history. We are very proud to announce that Offshore Rigging Services have developed the first ever tracking system for running rigging in the marine leisure industry. To find out more about this unique tracking system see this blog post
VOR65 Running Rigging Key Facts
- 431 lines, loops and strops on each VO65 yacht
- 2.7km of material used onboard each boat
- Over 6500 individual items built for the VOR 2014/15
- Unique material and production management system developed
- Offshore Rigging Services Ltd provide service and advice at each stopover to all teams
“From concept to delivery the guys at Offshore Rigging have done a fantastic job of putting together the whole running rigging package for the VO65, and the service concept has also been taken to a new level , the quality materials of used and standard of workmanship is a credit to the One Design concept. Their experience is evident throughout their work.”
“We have been very impressed by the running rigging Offshore Rigging has delivered for the V65. Everything has been well thought-out, produced right to spec, and beautifully finished. Their products have really impressed durability-wise, surpassing our expectations after heavy use in training and racing. Responsive and professional service after delivery is the icing on the cake. Well done guys!”
“Thanks for all your help over the stop over, I think you are doing a great job with all the rope work and additional rig work we are needing from you and it’s truly appreciated.”
