climb the unstayed mast

  • 19 Nov 2018 15:05
    Reply # 6914052 on 6571226

    Another shot of mast climbing on La Chica.

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  • 19 Nov 2018 13:15
    Reply # 6913810 on 6571226

    Oh my,

    this hasn't even crossed my mind. My sail could be an improvemen here with separate panels and thus gaps between them to stick one's toes through!

  • 19 Nov 2018 06:57
    Reply # 6913550 on 6912426
    Anonymous wrote:

    I've hear of people climbing the battens on the raised sail but I've never tried it.

    If you are fit enough it works well: the attachments show Marcus climbing up and down La Chica's mainsail in 2013.
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  • 18 Nov 2018 07:42
    Reply # 6912426 on 6571226

    I've hear of people climbing the battens on the raised sail but I've never tried it.

  • 15 Aug 2018 04:49
    Reply # 6574284 on 6571226

    When we bought our boat and were uncertain as to the blocks at the mastheads, rather than using the Prussiks to ascend and descend I simply use them as a safety device to arrest the fall.  I tie one around the mast and clip it in to my climbing harness and then keep prussik slack while I'm raised on the main halyard.  Should the halyard fail the prussik will tighten and arrest the fall, especially since we have a tapered mast.  I bring along a loop for a second prussik should I need to use it.

    Last modified: 15 Aug 2018 04:50 | Anonymous member
  • 14 Aug 2018 10:25
    Reply # 6572228 on 6571226

    I'm happy to be winched up on the main halyard, so long as I've inspected the blocks through binoculars and the rope is in new condition.

    But a voyaging boat really ought to have an independent method, for when the main halyard needs attention.

    My method is as follows:

    • A new, strong block on a masthead fitting that is sound, beyond any doubt, with its shackle pin wired.
    • A messenger line through the block, that can be used as a flag halyard.
    • When needed, a new, dedicated, length of climbing static half-rope, 9mm, is pulled through the block. A shackle is tied into it to butt against the block, so that only the part of the rope that is being climbed is subject to stretch.
    • A climbing harness with a Petzl Grigri2 attached by locking carabiner.
    • A footloop on a Petzl toothed ascender that goes onto the rope above the Grigri2. This footloop runs through a figure eight descender on the same carabiner as the Grigri2 - I find this important, to keep my foot thrust acting in a more vertical direction.
    • A fixed strop between the ascender and the figure eight ensures absolute security, until the ascender is taken off the rope to descend using the Grigri2.
    • A short line is tied around the mast and to the gear racks on the harness, once above the sail bundle, to prevent swinging away from the mast and to help keep the foot thrust more vertical.
  • 14 Aug 2018 09:22
    Reply # 6572204 on 6571226
    Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Denis.

    Several methods of climbing the mast have been described by other members over the years, but all have involved the use of a secure line to the mast top.

    Personally I have made a habit of fitting a stout single-part spare halyard to the starboard side of the mast, and then used that for climbing. If I were you, I would bring a new line, block and shackle (plus twine for securing it) to the mast top next time you go up.

    From then on you can use much easier methods, including mountain-climber’s equipment to get up. Personally I use a modified bosun’s chair.

    Good luck!

    Arne


  • 14 Aug 2018 08:27
    Message # 6571226

    How do you climb the unstayed mast? We can not trust the ropes that are attached to the mast with external blocks.

    I climbed the mast using a climbing harness and 4 knots "prussik" tied directly around the mast. But it was hard enough. When descending, the nodes constantly clamped.

    Can you share your experience?

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