Spars, Rigging, & Sailboat Systems
Considering that the mast and sails are the most important component of propulsion on your boat, it should be given the utmost attention when weighing the costs and risks of what to maintanin and what to defer. The industry standard of rigging life is 15 years in salt water and 20 years in fresh water.
Our team works with advanced materials and systems, including rod rigging, Dyform wire, and high-tech synthetic rigging, as well as modern carbon fiber mast systems for performance-oriented vessels.
Services include:
- Shrouds and stays replacement
- Chainplate inspection and reinforcement
- High-performance rigging upgrades using components from Harken and Selden
- Carbon fiber mast inspection and integration
- Full rigging system evaluation
- Galvanic corrosion mitigation with a dialectric grease, such as Tef-Gel or LanoCoat
Running Rigging & Line Management
We install and service running rigging systems to improve sail handling, efficiency, and performance. Whether upgrading for cruising or racing, we ensure smooth and reliable operation.
Our services include:
- Halyards and sheets replacement
- High-performance line upgrades for racing and offshore sailing
- Deck hardware optimization using Harken and Lewmar components
- Rope and line management systems
Mast & Boom Service
Proper maintenance of your spars is essential for safety and peak performance. We provide complete mast and boom service, including aluminum and carbon fiber mast systems from leading manufacturers like Selden.
Services include:
- Mast inspection and structural evaluation
- Carbon fiber mast inspection and repair coordination
- Boom hardware repair and upgrades
- Furling system maintenance
- Hardware replacement and system upgrades
Rig Tuning, Performance Optimization, & Race Prep
Maximize sailing performance with professional rig tuning and race preparation services. Proper tuning improves sail shape, reduces rig stress, and enhances overall handling and speed.
We provide:
- Precision rig tuning and load balancing
- Performance optimization for cruising, racing, and offshore sailing
- Pre-race and regatta preparation
- Seasonal tuning and performance checks
Whether you’re preparing for a weekend race or a competitive regatta, we ensure your rig is dialed in for peak performance.
Winch Service & Maintenance
Reliable winches are essential for safe and efficient sail handling. We offer complete winch service and maintenance, specializing in systems from Harken and Lewmar.
Services include:
- Winch disassembly and cleaning
- Lubrication and rebuilds
- Replacement parts and performance upgrades
- System optimization for smoother operation
Trusted Sailboat Rigging Services in Chicago
Skyway Yacht Works is a trusted provider of sailboat rigging services in Chicago and across Lake Michigan. From traditional rigging replacement to advanced performance upgrades and race preparation, our experienced team ensures your sailboat is safe, efficient, and ready to perform at its best.
