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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The Strait of Messina was completed, finding a sandy-bottom anchorage on the Sicilian side. It was slightly rolly due to being open. The absence of wind made it a pleasant experience. #MessinaStrait #anchorage #sailing #Sicily #travel

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🌊 Unbelievable Whale watching in Fuerteventura! 🚤 During one of our boat trips near the village of Morro Jable, we were lucky enough to witness an extraordinary event: a majestic whale gracefully swimming, escorted by a pod of playful dolphins! 🐬 The scene was absolutely breathtaking, as the sheer size of the whale contrasted with the agility and speed of the dolphins. 🎥 We managed to capture this once-in-a-lifetime moment on camera, and we can't wait to share it with you all! 🌊¡Increíble avistamiento de ballenas en Fuerteventura! 🚤¡Durante una de nuestras excursiones en barco cerca del pueblo de Morro Jable, tuvimos la suerte de presenciar un evento extraordinario: ¡una majestuosa ballena nadando graciosamente, escoltada por una manada de juguetones delfines! 🐬 ¡La escena fue absolutamente impresionante, ya que el tamaño imponente de la ballena contrastaba con la agilidad y velocidad de los delfines! 🎥¡Logramos capturar este momento único en la vida en cámara, y no podemos esperar para compartirlo con todos ustedes! #magicandsailing 👉Book now at www.magicandsailing.com 📱+34 630 975 023 #whale #fuerteventura #canarias #tour #ocean #holidays #travel #wildlife #animalshorts #animals #boat #nature #whalewatching #canaryislands

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