I love my Vareo!  (V369)  I keep her in France and go zooming around
the Bay of Biscay as much as I possibly can! Sounds intrepid but isn't really.

However, she is getting a little old in the teeth
(like me) and needs some attention.  I should be grateful for help with
some of the problems. 



The shrouds need replacing I think as they now
provide little if any mast support - they have lengthened with the years.

However, the current shrouds are actually attached
directly to a piece riveted to the mast

Does anyone have any ideas how to change these
please?

it is not clear to me at least how to attach the
shrouds to the hounds
 



Also reading about 16:1 kicker and mainsail tack
outhauls -  are these available from LDC?



Sorry not to be with you for the Nationals but hope
you all have a great time.

with many thanks and best wishes

Martin Dyer

Hi Martin. I've got V365, so similar age to yours. A few years ago I removed the Wichard hooks & replaced them with a suitable length small shackle I found at a chandlers. This took up a bit of the slack, although TBH, RS have always said the shrouds only offer mast support when using the kite off & down wind. Mine are still fairly loose. Next time you have the mast down check it for straightness too. I bet you'll find it has taken a bit of a set in it. I actually managed to straighten mine out & rivet it up as per the latest models to strengthen & stiffen. As for the 16:1 kicker, take a look at the pics available on the Yahoo site (& here?) of various setups. It's really easy to add a double block & a bit more string to create one of your own! Hope that helps. Good luck. Don. 

Thanks for your kind reply.  Will attack the other end in that case!!! These shrouds are REALLY loose although I do take your point about their utility.

And yes you are quite right - I noticed a fore/aft bend in the mast a few years ago at the level of the deck but have not thought to try and correct it.

Does it matter???!!!  Less worried about this for some reason than the lack of shrouds!!!

Many thanks again for your kind response