Pull the lower block on the frame to the base of the mast, being careful not to lose the bitter end, making sure that you can reach it when the frame is standing.
Position the feet of the A-frame behind the upper shrouds at the deck on port and starboard.
Begin raising the A-frame into position. Start by pushing up on the legs, and then, when the frame is about half-way up, you can pull it the rest of the way with the forestay.
Care must be taken that the feet do not kick out from their position on the deck.
If you have extra crewmembers, they could be positioned at the feet making sure that the feet stay put by placing a foot at the base.
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Offshore Sailing
by Bill Seifert with Daniel Spurr
We went to a Windjammers lecture to hear Bill Seifert and I was impressed enough to buy
the book on the spot. I've heard a lot of people talk about ways to improve a boat, but
I've never heard one person suggest so many good ideas that I hadn't considered. Part
of the charm is the specificity of the suggestions. Everyone says you should secure your
floorboards, hatchboards and batteries. Bill shows good suggestions on how to do so.
The suggestions are very practical for the do-it-yourselfer, too. Many show how to
make or adapt inexpensive solutions. Tip #12 on closing the deck blower vents is one
that will pay off for me without ever going offshore. I'll implement that one to
stop the wintertime storms from finding their way belowdecks.
Besides modifications, the book also includes advice for operating offshore, cooking,
boat selection, dealing with bureaucracy, and more.
Bill Seifert has worked at Tartan, TPI, and Alden Yachts. He's a veteran of many
Marion-Bermuda races and now runs his own yacht management company. His tips are
born of experience--not of book-learning--and it shows. He obviously knows his
stuff.
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