Preview: Synthetic Rigging the Rhodes 27 VARYA – A Brion Toss Legacy Project
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March 10, 2023
Email this Video to a FriendJen Bates was one of the lucky few who got to study rigging working side by side with Brion Toss.
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18 Responses So Far to “Synthetic Rigging the Rhodes 27 VARYA – A Brion Toss Legacy Project”
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William Foster says:
Beautiful video. May I ask the specs and source for the cordage used on the Turks Head on the tiller? I’m having a hec of a time finding something similar in such a small diameter. I’d be happy to send a donation to a local disadvantaged youth sailing program in recognition of your time and kindness on this.
Jen & Peter Bates says:
Brion had a stash of old linen three strand that he used for fancy work only and it can’t be bought anymore. Sorry I can’t help you. I’d say the diameter was 1/8″- 3/16″. Emiliano at: https://www.theartfulsailor.com/welcome-aboard might be able to help you out. Good luck!
Jen & Peter Bates says:
Ooops. This comment was meant for the recent Ricochet video!
Tom Pillifant says:
Fantastic vid. We gained ownership of an IF Folkboat here on Kachemak Bay in 2015 that was rigged by Brion (w/sails from Carol Hasse’s shop; lucky us) and this video explained some fine details that are captured in Kuluk’s rigging but have escaped my understanding until now. What a remarkable community of sailors and craftspeople live in Pt. Townsend.
Donald Goldring says:
Beautiful boat with gorgeous rigging. Brian sounds like a wonderful man and fabulous rigger.
Loved your video of all the rigging detail, you were very lucky to work with him. I learned a lot from this video! (From Kingston Ontario)
Diana Talley says:
Jen, such a lovely tribute to Brion. His influence and legacy bubbles out of you, his friend and working sidekick. Lucky. Both of you and Varya as well. Innovation and tradition, a way forward and a fond look back. Thanks.
Jen & Peter Bates says:
Thank you, Diana. I know he respected you a great deal.
Mark Hall says:
I met Brian at Port San Luis Obispo when I was putting traditional synthetic shrouds on my Colvin schooner. I parceled and served then from top to bottom, and seized in the eyes. I was pleased to get his seal of approval. A real gentleman.
Mark Hall, Schooner “Del Viento”, Oceano, CA
Miles Partridge says:
Lovely tribute to the work of a perfectionist.
James Rester says:
My wife and I had the pleasure of meeting Brion in Florida at an SCCA meeting and took one of his classes. In addition to being engaging and entertaining the, sense of being in the presence of someone with superior intelligence was palpable. Later when we stepped the freshly Awlgripped mast on our cruising boat, it was accomplished with Brion’s “Ice Cycle Hitch.” Your boat is beautiful and the video was wonderful.
Jen & Peter Bates says:
Thank you< James. Varya has been very lucky to be re-rigged by Brion. Twice actually. In 1993 when my parents took her to him and now by us. I think the video is wonderful as well.
Chris Tietjen says:
“The FIRST RULE OF RIGGING is FAIR LEADS, and there are no other rules!”
I had a chance to take a bunch of classes with Brion during a Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend. I learned to splice wire and double braid along with a bunch of other skills. Brion was such an alive and present person that while you can feel sad at his absence you know down deep inside he’s not really gone. He truly lives on in everyone he met as well I’m sure as himself somewhere close by.
Jen & Peter Bates says:
Our shop often recalls how his booming laughter echoed through Point Hudson and sometimes we think we can still hear it.
David Flanders says:
Beautiful, engaging film. Many thanks, in memory of a beautiful person.
Michael Vaughan says:
Eximious
Jen & Peter Bates says:
A word Brion would have known for sure!
Philip Myer says:
Great video- Brion was a gentleman with a razor sharp mind tempered by great charm, I had the pleasure of hosting him twice in Tasmania. Jen your Philip Rhodes sloop is gorgeous and beautifully rigged and maintained.
Jen & Peter Bates says:
Thank you, Phillip. My husband and I were so fortunate to have known Brion and Varya would not look so beautiful if it weren’t for all the talented marine trades people in here in Port Townsend. This place is truly a spa for wooden boats.