! wire sorta' spliced !

[NickfromWI]

Looks like an improperly installed pre-formed wire grip, aka dead-end, aka quick-end. We use them often in tree work for installing support cables. I know they can hold HUGE loads, but I also know they are nothing compared to a splice.

Interesting.

love
nick

[Brion Toss]

Hi there,
Also, the 1x7 wire they used is probably the too-elastic variety, making for an untunable rig. The stuff is designed for much higher safety factors (so much lower relative loads) than on sailboats, and is generally used at much more generous angles. High-strength 1x7 is available, but I understand that it quickly embrittles under sailing circumstances, and still has a great deal of "spring" stretch.
In any event, it is amazing what people get away with, hiding behind their safety factor, so to speak, even while they are degrading it.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss