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At this point the mast is only being held by the block-and-tackle at the top of the frame and at the base by the loosened bolts.
The person at the base of the mast can now remove the bolts by hand.
The mast is winched about 2 inches above the deck.
Holding tightly to the mast, the crewmember will start walking the base of the mast aft down the side deck opposite the crew at the winch.
As the line on the winch is eased, the mast will slowly come down.
Pressure should be applied to keep the spreaders from contacting the frame.
If all of the preparation was done carefully, this should be very smooth.
Continue to lower smoothly. The less time spent in this precarious position, the better, but you don't want to rush things.
As you near the deck, it will be necessary to twist the mast so the spreader tips clear the A-frame.
Lay the mast down on the deck. You may want to place some towels or wood blocks under it for protection of the deck.
You're done! Celebrate with your favorite beverage.
Undo the Standing Rigging
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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.
(Note: commissions earned from this link help defray the costs of this website)
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