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Mast raising without a crane sounds a daunting prospect but it is actually very straightforward if you prepare properly. Some years ago I wrote an article which you can see here, https://www.sailingcatamarans.com/index.php/articles/11-technical-articles/268-safe-mast-lowering-method so this is really just an update. This video shows my Chat 18, which has a mast from a beach cat, and thus one that could be pushed up by hand, but here I show the system that works on any size mast - the biggest I have raised this way was on a 50ft ketch. The key features are a good tabernacle, a "gin pole" - in this case the boom - and most important, the use of temporary shrouds thus ensuring that the mast cannot fall sideways. These shrouds must have "chainplates" that line up exactly with the tabernacle pivot bolt. When down the mast rests on a, eg, dinghy trailer mast support at the back of the cockpit. If you regularly raise you mast you can fit a trailer roller to the bracket, so it's easy to push the mast to and fro for trailering. The "gooseneck" for the ginpole is a shroud adjuster from my junk box, suitably bent and screwed to the front of the mast. Roller reefing gear has to be kept straight and has a tendency to catch on the cabin roof etc. So I always lash it to the ginpole in about the right position. The "chainplates" for the temporary shrouds are, again, from my junk box and are 25mm OD aluminium tubes that clip into place and are easily removed. They also take guywires from the forward end of the ginpole to stop that falling over. I attached the spi halyard to the ginpole, but you can just rely on the forestay/furling gear. The mast is then raised up using the mainsheet shackled to the forestay chainplate (you may need a longer rope, depending on your boat). 4:1 is easy on small boats, on bigger boats lead it back to a winch. Of course the most load is when the mast is horizontal, you often have to push on the mast when lowering to get it to start moving. So if you can get it off the support you know you can hoist it all the way. So it all seems a lot of ropes and preparation but it's all worth it as the mast cannot fall and you always have total control, even in a cross wind. And you can usually raise the mast singlehanded. If you are only occasionally raising/lowering the mast then the temporary stays can be rope. Make a loop in the end and pass it over the spreaders and round the mast using a boathook or, on bigger boats, a bosun's chair. Easy to pull off again afterwards. Before sailing always check the mast with binoculars or camera to ensure there are no twisted shackles or, especially, T bar terminals (which is why I don't recommend T bars on trailable boats.) Use tape or elastic band to hold the stays in the correct position while hoisting - both will break away as the shrouds tighten.

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Join us on an epic sailing day as we take you on a thrilling yacht racing experience aboard a J109, a high-performance sailboat designed for irc racing, as we navigate through the stunning waters of Strangford Lough. The J109 is a popular choice for sailing enthusiasts, known for its exceptional handling and speed, making it a top contender in irc 1 racing and regatta events. As we sail, you'll get a glimpse into the sailing lifestyle and experience the thrill of yacht racing, with the beautiful scenery of Strangford Lough as our backdrop. Our J109 yacht is one of the many impressive sailboats that can be found in the waters of Strangford Lough, including the Bermudian sloop and Nicholson 43, which are often seen participating in sailing races and events organized by local yacht clubs. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or just starting to explore the world of yachting, this video is sure to give you a taste of the excitement and adventure that comes with sailing on a fast yacht like the J109. With its sleek design and impressive performance, the J109 is a favorite among sailing enthusiasts, and its popularity can be seen in the many J109 yachts that participate in sailing events and regattas throughout the year. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride as we take you on an unforgettable sailing experience, showcasing the beauty of Strangford Lough and the thrill of yacht racing on a J109 sailboat. The team at bottom up boats hope you are enjoying these short clips from the 2026 racing season.

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================================ Welcome to the best week of your life! This is The Yacht Week – an adventure like no other. Explore stunning oceans and islands aboard your very own yacht – with your best mates and hundreds of other beautiful like-minded explorers in convoy. You’ll have your own skipper and the freedom to map your own path for seven days through spectacular beaches, deserted islands and incredible parties. Back in 2006, we were just a bunch of uni friends who wanted to go sailing and explore far and wide. Today, we’re still that same bunch of friends, only now there are 70,000 of us. And our loving family just keeps getting bigger. We have forged a community from adventurous spirits, vast open waters, and a host of musicians, collaborators, sailors and revellers. https://www.theyachtweek.com/ https://www.facebook.com/theyachtweek https://www.instagram.com/theyachtweek/ https://twitter.com/theyachtweek https://www.linkedin.com/company/day8/

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