"Selden are recalling forestay fittings 517-918 manufactured between 2004-2008 which have failed due to a crack in the welding. The crack develops along the weld on the rear side of the fitting inside the mast. It is not visible from the outside. All the failed fittings originated from long distance cruising boats with inadequate rig tuning and long periods of sailing using only the genoa."

How dangerous is this? On the Newfoundland cruise in July 2011, Glide was dismasted, which made us very wary suddenly, and when we hauled Al Shaheen out for the season we spent a considerable amount having the stays, forestays and all fittings checked. How often does this need to be done? There 's a generally held view promoted by insurance companies that all standing rigging should be replaced every 10 years. However, is this necessary? Would an effective inspection routine obviate this need? Does anyone have any views on the practicablity of ultra-sonic or radiographic methods of determining of testing rigging terminations, screws and chain-plates?