Zern Rigging

07/13/2026

The Riggers at Zern know Pensacola is a world class sailing destination ~ the secret is getting out? Here is an AC40 strutting its stuff for us this past Saturday.
PS - Maybe NSFW? 😳
PPS - Naples Italy same day?? (in comments)

07/06/2026

During my stint at Zern it is my intention to show just how masterfully these folks work together to get you sailing. The first team photo is surely an easy place to start, yes? 😼

L to R = Jeff, Evan, DJ, Darrell, Linda and Tom. Their exceptional profiles are on our website.
NOT pictured is the sly-as-a-fox Rick Zern.
~vi

07/03/2026

TRUE STORY! - the big man hung this by our front door. Ok, ok, we're not taking the whole day off but we will be leaving at noon today - Friday July 03. Certainly we'll see you "out there." We're back at it Monday.
>🥳The United States of America is a relatively young nation at 250 years but we are a mighty one. Let us celebrate that - always.

06/22/2026

You saw last week's chill mid-week series racing that we all participate in. Here is our DJ, not so chill.

Riggers like to sail too.

06/15/2026

You've heard it 100 times: "bring a six pack to a marina/ yacht club and ask if you can join. it's the best way to learn from scratch OR hone your decades of experience": Twilight series, Beer can races and regattas, skippers often need help. Often they are eager to share their knowledge.

Every week the Zern Rigging team goes out sailing, together. A Beneteau 41, an historic Gulf Coast day sailor called a Fish Boat and (soon to be) J80 is our fleet.

Go sailing. The space needs you and new blood. Just ask.

06/08/2026

🌊 My First Gulf Hurricane Season: Lessons from the Experts
As some of you know, this is my (Virginia’s) very first hurricane season living on the Gulf Coast.

I attended the Hurricane Preparedness BBQ hosted by Pelican's Perch Marina. (standing room only attendance and Danny's brisket got wiped out!)

Marine industry expert Rick Zern from Zern Rigging, dock masters and several local captains shared decades of hard-earned Gulf Coast experience.

The most important takeaway? Waiting until a warning is issued is already too late. Early action is your only real defense.
Here is the 3-tier strategy Rick broke down during the lunch and learn:

📋 Rick Zern’s 3-Tier Preparedness Strategy
Plan A: Haul Out (The Gold Standard)
Get the boat completely out of the water.
Secure it safely on high, stable land.

Plan B: Marina Security
Keep the boat in the water but secure it tightly in a heavily protected marina.
Utilize a designated, pre-planned hurricane mooring location.

Plan C: Anchor Out (Last Resort Only)
If you cannot haul out or secure a slip, anchor out using a heavy storm setup.
Find a well-sheltered, inland location away from open water.


🎙️ Free Presentation Downloads & Resources

I put together a clean cheat sheet summarizing the main details of the presentation so you can save it to your phone or boat files!

Download the Summary: Hurricane Prep Guide PDF
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ghInMV7kKpRxmbUpSeUemCvkfc8Mcis3/view?usp=sharing
Listen on the Go: Full YouTube Presentation Link
https://youtu.be/abaFzw8I1vo
(Tip: This video format works perfectly as a hands-free podcast for your morning drive time commute)

06/03/2026

05/22/2026

Happy Memorial Day!