Tenacatita splicing class - 2020

This is Brett from s/v Liahona
He held the "class" at the palapa restaurant on the beach in Tenacatita.
Making a "locked brummel soft shackle" out of Dynema aka Amsteel.

January 2020 - We are currently anchored in Tenacatita Mexico 

There were around 20 of us taking advantage of the class.

We brought our own fid sets, sharp scissors, measuring device (ruler and tape), and markers.  Brett had We started with a 48" piece of 1/8" Dynema line - one piece of blue line we had on-board and one piece of gray line we purchased from Brett. This will make a 4" shackle.  If you wanted a larger soft shackle, add 4" to the length of the line; the starting marks would be at different lengths also.  We made 2 marks - one at 6" and one at 8" for this 48" length. For step-by-step instructions, see YouTube videos.

There was some discussion about the use of Dynema/Amsteel line for lifelines and standing rigging.  While it is much stronger than stainless steel, there is UV degradation - about 20%.  It's also susceptible to chafe however there are products on the market available, such as sleeves.  One cruiser who has his lifelines done in Dynema said he uses surf wax.  When asked about them getting dirty, he said they do get dirty.

Chip's first step finished.

Brett helping out...

Debbie's line all "stuffed up" for the next step.

Debbie with a marker fid for the next step.

Brett lending a hand.

Chip, trimming the threads of the twelve strand 
so it could be stuffed into the main body.

Mark (and Stephanie, not pictured) on s/v Wainui (in yellow shirt)

Jeff (and Jules, not pictured) from s/v El Gato

Chip making the final knot at the end.

John (with wife Ofelia, not pictured) from s/v Silver Sea

Ahhh, the finished product!

The primo fid set - Selma fids