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.

0

0

0

2,237

Would you cruise at nearly 40 knots aboard this aggressive luxury flagship? Rate this yacht from 1–5 stars and comment below! Pershing 140 © Pershing Yachts Length overall: 43.3 m (142 ft) Beam: 8.55 m (28 ft) Draft: 2.05 m (6.7 ft) Max speed: 38 kn (44 mph / 70 km/h) Cruising speed: 35 kn (40 mph / 65 km/h) Range: approx. 1,400 nm (economical speed) Engines: 4 × MTU 16V 2000 M96L Hull & superstructure: Aluminium Guest cabins: 5 Crew cabins: 4 The Pershing 140 is the flagship of Pershing Yachts, engineered for owners who demand superyacht luxury without sacrificing speed and attitude. Built entirely from aluminium, it features a raised helm seamlessly connected to the sun deck, expansive beach club terraces, and sleek interiors customizable to owner preference. With quad MTU power and waterjet propulsion, the Pershing 140 delivers exhilarating performance while maintaining refined comfort for long-range cruising and high-profile arrivals. #PershingYachts #Superyacht #LuxuryYacht #HarbourMasters

0

0

0

177

0

0

0

0

910

Neil and Jeanette are preparing to sail on their Beneteau 473 down the coast of the US and to the Bahamas. A tour of outside the boat

0

0

0

361

0

0

0

0

3,336

Bluegame BGX63 offers a welcoming design that seamlessly combines comfort with innovative features. Beautifully crafted sliding doors open fully to reveal a cozy lower saloon, perfect for private relaxation with a pull-down blind for added seclusion. Positioned right at water level, this space has large side windows that immerse you in the surroundings, giving a unique connection to the sea and offering stunning views. 🧘 The freestanding sofa provides a comfortable seating area, while nearby, the owner’s suite is spacious, full-beam, filled with natural light, and close to the water. 🌊 The helm station is centrally located, providing excellent visibility all around thanks to the extensive glass and reverse-angled windscreen, which reduces glare. Every element of the BGX63 reflects Bluegame’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship. For Bluegamers Only. 💙 #BluegameYacht #SanlorenzoYacht #SanlorenzoAdria #BGM75 #MasterYachting #YachtingWorld #MasterYachtingGroup #Bluegame

0

0

0

577