Videos about sailboat rigging from the legendary rigger, Brion Toss.

“His teachings, books, and videos were not just the obvious gifts to anyone who learned from them, or just gifts to the craft of rigging and the self-sufficiency of sailors, they were a shout-out to the world. They enhanced all of our collective marine trades’ reputation and brought renown to Port Townsend. They put us on the map in a way that showed this place really honors craft and the value of work for the sake of what it can bring to the world instead of what it can bring to us individually.” — Sailmaker Carol Hasse

Brion Toss, age 69, sailboat riggerToss could come down to your small sailboat and tie a good luck knot for your voyage, or he could completely rerig ships of any size (the U.S. Coast Guard used his seminars), and his famously accessible explanations made sure everyone understood. He was as interested in sailing newbies as he was in circumnavigators.

Excerpts from Farewell to Rigger Brion Toss by Karen Sullivan published in Professional Boat Builder

The Complete Rigger's Apprentice by Brion TossFrom its initial publication, The Complete Rigger’s Apprentice by master rigger, Brion Toss has been the definitive go-to resource for weekend sailors and maritime professionals who want to master the fine art of rigging.

Brion Toss tuning a rig

  • Tuning Your Rig with Brion Toss - mysteries of sailboat rigging... EXPLAINED!

    Click above to play video teaser.

    Legendary Master Rigger, Brion Toss of Port Townsend, Washington gives a thorough introduction to the mysteries of rig tuning. Using his friendly and engaging style, Brion begins with an orientation of wire rope properties that regular sailors can understand.
  • Inspecting Your Rig with Brion Toss - spot sailboat rigging problems before they cause trouble

    Click above to play video teaser.

    Rigging can be "invisible" - the part of a sailing vessel that many sailors least understand and are least likely to maintain properly. Unseen rigging problems can become costly and can certainly jeopardize safety at sea. In this video, master rigger Brion Toss of Port Townsend, Washington will show you how to spot rigging problems before they cause trouble. About Sailflix-Vimeo VOD Vimeo On Demand Rent $6.99, Buy $12.99      
  • 25 Basic Sailing Knots with Brion Toss

    Click above to play video teaser.

    Master Sailing Rigger, Brion Toss introduces his 25 Basic Sailing Knots video, the rope material you can use to tie the knots, and the material you shouldn't use. Brion demonstrates the easiest way to tie each knot and situations each is used for.
  • Going Aloft with Brion Toss - safely climbing your mast and working aloft

    Click above to play video teaser.

    Legendary Rigger, Brion Toss gives a master class on the procedures and tools needed to climb your mast, and work safely and efficiently aloft. He explains how important it is to gather the right equipment and learn the proper procedures ahead of time so you're ready to go aloft for normal maintenance and repairs - and in an emergency.
Go to Top