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Stepping mast single-handed

Posted: Sat Jul 09, 2016 12:33 pm
by sandyday
Hi,

Can anyone please advise the best approach to stepping the mast by yourself? I have struggled with this so far.... it's proving a bit more challenging than my Laser and solo, and I'm nervous about dropping it!

In particular, what do you attach prior to putting the mast on the boat? Are there any clever tricks for holding the mast whilst attaching the lowers (e.g. using trap lines) ?

The rigging guide is not so helpful on this point...

Thanks!

Sandy

Re: Stepping mast single-handed

Posted: Sat Jul 09, 2016 6:19 pm
by paul manning
Hi Sandy

Typically I attach the boat breaker to the forestay.

Stand the mast upright and lift onto the step.

With a suitably positioned knot in the boat breaker rope, you can then lean the mast back till you can just connect the lower shrouds.

At this point you can then pull on the boat breaker a bit and the mast will stand there whilst you connect the shrouds.

Re: Stepping mast single-handed

Posted: Sat Jul 09, 2016 6:34 pm
by PaulM
As above Sandy, easy once done a couple times, even in a big breeze.

Only thing to add is ensure the Cunningham pulley on the mast base plate has not rotated forward otherwise you could trap it under the mast and damage the pulley.

Not sure where you are but as always the best bet is head over to the next open event and will find plenty of us who will help and advise.

Re: Stepping mast single-handed

Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2016 12:05 pm
by sandyday
Thanks Guys!

I have been sailing in two places in Scotland - at my club on Loch Lomond there has always been people to help me, including a couple of other Mustos, which has been invaluable, but I am also planning some sailing in the next few weeks in some pretty remote parts of Scotland (Sound of Jura), and there isn't always anyone around there!

My boat has the old style forestay, which probably made it more difficult up to now, but I have just bought a new-style one, and I will make sure the boat breaker rope is long enough so that I can attach that before I put the mast in as you suggest.

Sandy (111)

Re: Stepping mast single-handed

Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2016 10:53 am
by Serega
you can also use your trapeze line - put the mast up, attach both lowers, insert your arm into the trapeze adjuster loop, so you could hold the mast with your arm-pit and then attach the breaker to the fore-stay.

Re: Stepping mast single-handed

Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2016 8:49 am
by sandyday
Thanks Serega... I hadn't thought of that.

Will try both of these on the weekend.

Sandy

Re: Stepping mast single-handed

Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2016 12:49 am
by campervan
Sandy, theres a few of us who get down the west coast with the mustos every now and again. Neil Wilson in Strachur is usually keen for someone to sail with. I think his boat is at the Holy Loch just now.
Jono is trying to round us up for a weekend in Rothesay, the last weekend of July ( also the Bute Music Fest.) Jono, Ian M and I have Rothesay connections so its good to get on the water there. Neil Wilson has either come across from Colintraive or sailed across from Toward.

Re: Stepping mast single-handed

Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2016 11:51 pm
by sandyday
Sounds good... Haven't sailed my boat on the sea yet, but hopefully next week. I wont be much fun to sail with for a bit until I can sail a bit better! Think I'm away that weekend anyway. In a month or too, definitely!