Liverpool splice help

[nobby]

Greetings from across the Atlantic.

I know it is a bit of a long shot but does anyone here know of a rigger in the north of England or southern Scotland who would be willing to have me shadow them for a little while so I can gain some rigging experience.

I am a time served wooden boatbuilder and I've always had a great interest in rigging and ropework, I learned to splice and make a gromit when I was around ten or eleven.

After lots of practice and talking with knowledgeable people such as Des Pawson I can make a fair job of rope splices, serving, seizing and leather work, what I am now in need of is a professional to cast his eye over my wire splices and give me a few pointers as to where I can improve.

I learned the basics from a fisherman friend of mine, and after reading and rereading Brions impeccable book and Clyderigged's excellent photo set and around 40 practice splices in various diameters of wire I feel that I have got to the point where some experienced input would be very beneficial.

I have to say that I don't intend to be taking work away from anyone, in my area, the nearest person able to produce a parceled served and leathered liverpool splice is around 85-90 miles down the coast and as far as I know has a very full order book.

As a couple of my customers, with really nice old Gaffers, have said they'd like me to replace parts or all of their rigs whilst doing yearly maintenance I'd like to become proficient enough that I have confidence that their masts will continue to point skywards.

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

D Miller (Morecambe bay prawners a speciality)