Custom Sailboat Running Rigging in Los Angeles
ENGINEERED FOR PERFORMANCE. BUILT TO LAST.
Marlinspike Rigging delivers custom sailboat rigging solutions for discerning sailors throughout Los Angeles and Southern California. From high-performance racing programs to offshore cruising yachts, every rigging system is thoughtfully engineered for reliability, efficiency, and long-term performance.
Crafted for Sailors Who Demand More
Your rigging is one of the most important systems aboard your boat. Every line, splice, and connection influences safety, sail handling, and overall performance.
At Marlinspike Rigging, every project begins with understanding how you sail. Whether you're preparing for offshore passages, optimizing a race boat, or modernizing an aging rig, each solution is custom designed around your vessel, sailing program, and performance goals—not a one-size-fits-all template.
Combining engineering expertise with real-world racing experience, Marlinspike Rigging builds systems that inspire confidence every time you leave the dock.
About Marlinspike Rigging
Founded by Navy veteran and engineer Joe Bell, Marlinspike Rigging brings together two decades of systems and reliability engineering with a lifelong passion for sailing.
A retired U.S. Navy nuclear submariner, Joe approaches rigging differently. Every project begins with understanding load paths, failure points, material performance, and long-term reliability before a single splice is made. The result is custom running rigging designed to perform under demanding conditions while remaining dependable for years to come.
That engineering mindset is reinforced by experience on the racecourse. Joe regularly competes in Santa Monica Bay and along the California coast, including back-to-back PHRF victories in the Santa Barbara to King Harbor Race (2023 & 2024) and double-handed racing with the Pacific Singlehanded Sailing Association (PSSA). Those miles on the water directly influence every system Marlinspike Rigging builds.
Today, Marlinspike Rigging serves sailors throughout Southern California with custom running rigging solutions for performance racing, offshore passage making, and recreational cruising.
Our Services
-
Marlinspike Rigging provides professional sailboat running rigging inspections and consultations throughout Southern California, helping sailors identify wear, chafe, UV damage, and potential failure points before they become expensive or dangerous problems. Whether you own a cruising yacht, racing sailboat, or offshore passagemaker, we evaluate your entire running rigging system and recommend practical, performance-driven improvements.
From race preparation and offshore passage planning to routine maintenance, our engineering-based approach helps improve safety, reliability, and sail handling while extending the life of your rigging investment.
-
Modern sailboat rigging upgrades can dramatically improve performance, reduce weight, and simplify sail handling. We replace aging lines with today's premium Dyneema®, polyester, and high-performance rope systems while optimizing line routing, hardware selection, and deck layouts.
Whether you're upgrading a cruising yacht or optimizing a racing sailboat, our running rigging services improve efficiency, reduce friction, and increase confidence in every maneuver.
-
Whether you're restoring a classic yacht, commissioning a new sailboat, or completely redesigning your deck layout, Marlinspike Rigging specializes in complete running rigging refits.
We design and install custom running rigging systems using premium marine rope, modern hardware, and proven engineering principles. Every refit is tailored to your sailing style, performance goals, and budget, resulting in a cleaner, lighter, more efficient rig that is easier to operate and maintain.
-
Not every challenge has an off-the-shelf solution. We design and build custom sailboat rigging solutions for unique applications, including custom rope assemblies, precision rope splicing, soft shackles, Dyneema loops, strops, control line systems, and hardware integration.
Whether you need to connect specialized hardware, improve an existing system, or solve a unique rigging problem, we can engineer a solution built specifically for your boat.
-
While standing rigging replacement and installation services are not currently offered, we provide professional consultations to help you evaluate your existing rig, understand your options, and plan your project.
We work closely with respected California yacht riggers and standing rigging specialists throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, and Southern California, allowing us to connect you with trusted professionals while helping coordinate the overall rigging plan.
Our Process
Consultation
Every project begins with a conversation about your boat, sailing style, performance objectives, and long-term goals.
System Design
A custom running rigging plan is developed using carefully selected materials, hardware, and configurations that match your vessel and intended use.
Build & Fitment
Every splice, termination, and connection is built with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring the finished system performs exactly as intended.
Performance Review
Running rigging is best evaluated under dynamic conditions. Feedback on performance is welcomed and fine-tuning is available as needed to ensure optimal performance and complete customer satisfaction.
What People Are Saying
“Marlinspike Rigging exceeded every expectation. After half of my original lines were lost in transit, they reverse-engineered my entire running rigging package and built every line with incredible precision. The craftsmanship, communication, and attention to detail were outstanding. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for world-class rigging expertise.”
-Paul“Safety and performance are everything to our team, which is why we trust Marlinspike Rigging. Their rigging is dependable, lightweight, and built to perform when it matters most. We don't leave the dock without it.”
-AA huge shoutout to Joe Bell of Marlinspike Rigging replacing all my running rigging with the absolute smoothest handling and running lines for my create and boat, a Wauquiez Centurion 40S. We just completed the 53rd Santa Barbara to King Harbor Race at 1am this morning and the lines were exceptional to handle in 25kts winds, day and night. Bravo!
-James Lee
Why Marlinspike Rigging
Engineering-first approach rooted in whole-of-system evaluation
Navy veteran with over 25 years of technical engineering experience
Race-tested solutions proven under demanding sailing conditions
Expertise ranging from recreational cruisers to Grand Prix race boats
Fully customized running rigging systems—never off-the-shelf solutions
Materials selected for each customer’s needs with longevity, reliability, and performance in mind.
Trusted by experienced sailors throughout Southern California and beyond
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Running rigging replacement depends on quality of materials, age, usage, environmental exposure, and overall condition. While many manufacturers recommend replacement every 3-5 years, offshore and racing programs often require more frequent inspections. A professional evaluation is the best way to determine whether replacement is necessary.
-
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best materials and equipment depends on your boat, sail plan, racing style, and performance goals. Modern high-performance fibers and line-handling systems found on grand prix race programs are available, but the ideal configuration should always be customized for your application.
-
Yes. Marlinspike Rigging designs systems for everything from weekend cruisers and offshore passagemakers to competitive racing programs. Every solution is tailored to the individual boat and owner.
-
Absolutely. Inspections evaluate wear, corrosion, fatigue, chafe, and overall system condition, helping identify issues before they become failures.
-
Yes. Consulting is available for rigging design, material selection, refits, offshore preparation, race optimization, and new boat setup.
