Southern Spars update regarding superyacht Salperton IV dismasting

by David Glen, Southern Spars on 15 Mar 2011
www.southernspars.com!Southern_Spars has been commissioned to design and build a new mast and http://www.southernspars.com/southern/index.cfm?fuseaction=app.buildpage&p=253!EC6_rigging_package for the 45m superyacht Salperton IV to replace the previously damaged mast and failed PBO standing rigging.

The cause of Salperton's dismasting is yet to be determined but an investigation is to be led by the yacht’s insurers with both the manufacturer, and its carrier, actively participating in the aforementioned investigation. The investigation will likely commence within the next few weeks upon the arrival of the necessary parts and equipment returning to England.

At present, Southern Spars has been able to reasonably ascertain the following facts as it pertains to the damage suffered by Salperton IV at the time of loss:

1. The yacht was sailing in 10-12 knots with full main and blade.

2. Port D1 PBO stay broke at a relatively low load

3. Port D2 PBO stay was also found to have broken

4. The mast broke in three places; below D1 tangs, on or just below the deck, and some point above Spreader 2, presumably when the top sections hit the water.

Contrary to certain reports and disseminations made by certain members of the mast and rigging industry, there is absolutely no basis to support the assertion that the primary cause of the casualty was mast compression, or that the mast should have been designed and built to withstand a D1 failure. Such misinformation is simply inaccurate and misleading.

www.southernspars.com!Southern_Spars, Paul MacDonald remarks that 'Southern Spars has every confidence in our design tools, manufacturing capabilities and the quality of the mast build. We will actively support and assist the investigation as to the primary cause of the dismasting. At the same time, we are pleased to have received the 'green light' for a new mast and http://www.southernspars.com/southern/index.cfm?fuseaction=app.buildpage&p=253!EC6 rigging, and expect that Salperton will be sailing before the end of the summer in Europe'.