It was a mammoth operation, with preparations for unstepping the mast taking four weeks, including removing the six tonne, 80 ft boom and the one tonne vang. The boom alone required two cranes and ten people, and three cranes were needed to take off the huge six tonne inner forestay and its motor.

Laying out on the ground took 36 people, five cranes were brought in to remove the two headstays, after which there were two weeks of removing the nine tonnes of rods and rigging.

Further stripping down and examination followed, including a dye penetrant inspection before rods and rigging went back to OYS.

The rig is presently being put back together in France, with eight of Marine Results' personnel attending. They will service all components including halyard locks, sheaves, inspect load cell pins, re-calibrate, and re-assemble… all in time for the spring re-stepping.