Date: 8/21/2006
Name: Bart Streb
email: bstreb@nc.rr.com
subject:nice setup on Charmed Juan-lowering the mast
I use the jib halyard for raising/lowering the mast. I snap the jib shackle to the bow fitting, it is long enough to be lead back to the cockpit via a cleat near the companionway. When raising, I pin the mast to the deck plate, I stand with one foot on each cockpit seat, get the mast on my shoulder, start walking it up, taking up the slack on the jib halyard that is in my hand. The halyard will hold the mast up at a very narrow angle to the deck while I step up on top of the cabin, then push the mast up the rest of the way. The Halyard will hold the mast and allow you to go untangle rigging that may get fouled on the way up. Now the mast is held up by the jib halyard so I can go forward and pin the forestay. Lowering is just reversing this method. The side stays are always attached. I leave the jib halyard set up for the next time I raise the mast. It always amazed me how much trouble people have with smaller masts. I guess being 6'4" and weighing as much as 8 masts helps.
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