How are the rigging and sails surveyed?
All surveyors visually inspect the rigging from deck level. Since most of the moving parts and the most corrosive effects of salt water occur at this level, the most serious problems are likely to be observable during this inspection. If the surveyor is required to go aloft, there will be an additional charge. The mast can be unstepped to allow for a more complete and thorough inspection without the surveyor going aloft, but this is rarely done.
Sails will be inspected as part of the pre-purchase/condition survey. Bagged headsails can be removed from the bag. If an in-water survey is conducted, the surveyor can inspect a mainsail and a roller-furling jib when they are set out for sailing. For racing or cruising sailboats with many different expensive sails, the sails can be inspected separately in a sail loft.