Date: 8/23/2006
Name: Greg Torok
email: appleseed@mac.com
subject:Re: single-handed mast stepping
I recently configured my SJ21 to have all halyards led to the cockpit which places them within reach of the headsail winches on the cabin top.I left my jib halyard extra long so that I could use it as a control line for raising and lowering the mast.
I clip the halyard to the bow and route the end of the halyard through its normal route to the cockpit (block at the mast step, turning block on the deck, through a spinlock cleat just in front of the winch).
Then I wrap the halyard around the winch, lift the mast onto my shoulder, then take up the slack and start cranking on the winch. The mast goes up practically by itself. Then I just clamp the cleat shut and walk forward to attach the forestay.
Bringing it down is even easier as there is enough brake-action from the winch to be able to slowly lower the mast to within easy arm's reach from the cockpit.
Last time I was out I let my wife lower the mast. She was amazed how easy it was.
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