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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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Tallest Mast on a 22 Footer? The 30 Second Winner! #boat #sailing #shorts

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From re-creating the first, to setting out to be the fastest, non-stop round the world racing is in season. We report on the Golden Globe finish and a campaign to smash the record. Plus we take a look at some of the cool kit for the season ahead and plenty more. Producer Matthew Sheahan provides a preview on what's in the March show

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Embark on a luxurious expedition cruise to some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s spectacular islands and destinations aboard our purpose-build, 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer. Setting a new standard for discovery travel in New Zealand, Heritage Explorer combines the ultimate in comfort with unique itineraries and a personalised experience including comfortable cabins, an on board gourmet chef, and our team of seasoned expedition leaders — Heritage Explorer is the perfect blend of luxury and adventure. Join other like-minded adventurers exploring remote parts of New Zealand only accessible by ship including Fiordland, Stewart Island, Marlborough Sounds, Hauraki Gulf and the Bay of Islands. Family-owned and operated, Heritage Expeditions have been exploring New Zealand’s iconic fiords, harbours, remote islands and isolated bays since 1985 offering unrivalled, iconic adventures designed by Kiwis to showcase the best of New Zealand as only those with local knowledge can! Visit Heritage Expeditions to learn more about other destinations, departure dates, and more here: www.heritage-expeditions.com Footage shot by: Sébastien Abraham, Matt Crouch

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