Thanks Martin and David for your input and experience. I don't need to do anything at all, but I acquired the ss wire for this purpose. Having supported the mizzen mast of a Colvic ketch for a few years, it will need resizing. Each piece has an eye on one end, the other having been cut off, so I can use whatever fitting is best. I was told by the rigger who fitted the new rigging that it (7mm ss) would not go around a thimble, so I was considering an adjustable assembly with a fork fitting. If David has thimbles, then, Iwant them too. David, I am looking at a picture of Hope alongside the pontoon in the gallery. I'm guessing those are the new ss shrouds I can see as the new high peaked sail and spars are fitted?