Comprehensive Rigging and Mast Overhaul for Beneteau First 47.7 "Pretty Polly" in Dublin, Ireland

The Beneteau First 47.7 "Pretty Polly" recently underwent an extensive mast and rigging refurbishment at Malahide Yacht Services in Dublin, Ireland. This high-performance racing and cruising yacht received a significant overhaul to restore its structural integrity and enhance its sailing capabilities. With meticulous attention to detail and expert craftsmanship, First Spars executed a range of upgrades to ensure "Pretty Polly" remains both a competitive racer and a reliable cruiser.

Scope of Work

Sparcraft Mast and Boom Refurbishment

The mast and boom underwent a full refurbishment, incorporating new spreaders and crossbars sourced from Fast Mast. These additions significantly enhanced the structural rigidity and performance of the rig.

Complete Standing Rigging Replacement

To ensure maximum strength and longevity, the yacht’s standing rigging was entirely replaced with Nitronic cold-headed rods fitted with BSI terminals and rigging screws. This upgrade provides superior load-bearing capacity and extended durability, essential for high-performance sailing.

Harken Sail Handling System Upgrades

Efficiency and ease of handling were paramount in this refurbishment. The yacht’s sail handling systems were modernized with top-tier Harken components:

• MKIV Unit 3 headsail furling system, designed for smooth and reliable sail control.

• Harken battcars and track system, ensuring effortless hoisting and reefing of the mainsail.

• Harken blocks, strategically integrated for optimized rigging performance.

Custom-Engineered Mast Sheaves

All mast sheaves were replaced with low-friction, custom-engineered sheaves. These bespoke components reduce wear and improve efficiency, contributing to smoother sail handling and extended equipment life.

Sparcraft Vang and Boom Refurbishment

The Sparcraft vang was fully refurbished to maintain its durability and performance. Additionally, the boom was upgraded with custom-fabricated 316L stainless steel attachment points for the vang, reefing, and mainsheet, providing enhanced strength and longevity.

Mast Base and Deck Ring Refurbishment

The mast base and deck ring were re-anodized and reassembled with a new Sparcraft mast wedge to ensure a secure and precise fit. This step was crucial in maintaining the mast’s alignment and stability.

Challenges & Custom Solutions

Aging Components & Wear and Tear

As a high-performance racing yacht, "Pretty Polly" had experienced extensive mast wear over the years. A comprehensive structural assessment was conducted to identify and reinforce critical areas.

Discontinued Manufacturer Parts

Certain Sparcraft components were no longer in production, necessitating the custom design and fabrication of essential parts. Our engineering team meticulously crafted these components to match the yacht’s specifications, ensuring no compromise in performance.

Precision Engineering & Fitment

Ensuring newly manufactured parts seamlessly integrated with the existing mast and boom required precise measurements and expert fitment techniques. Each custom component was rigorously tested to guarantee a perfect match.

Balancing Performance & Durability

With a dual role as a racing yacht and family cruiser, "Pretty Polly" required upgrades that enhanced performance without compromising durability. Every modification was carefully selected to provide long-term reliability while maintaining its racing edge.

Final Outcome

The successful refurbishment of "Pretty Polly" has restored this Beneteau First 47.7 to peak racing condition. With a fully optimized rig, advanced sail handling systems, and reinforced structural integrity, the yacht is now prepared for the upcoming racing season while remaining a safe and dependable cruiser for family adventures.

The craftsmanship and custom engineering solutions provided by First Spars played a crucial role in achieving this transformation, ensuring "Pretty Polly" continues to excel on both the racing circuit and open seas.