[70521]
Well-Known Member
Or wire ladders as used by speleologists.
Climbing gear for Solo mast checks... suggestions on where to find out?
- Thread starter Jamesuk
- Start date
Pleiades
Well-Known Member
Another vote for Top Climber. You do not have to rely on someone else so in some ways safer than being winched up. A doddle to climb, quick and easy to ascend, but slowr to come down which is always a good plan. Halyard must be winched tight. It is as safe as the strength of the fititngs at the top of the mast so I use a dedicated rope with dedicated block at top. Do-able at anchor on calm days - I have not tried it underway, will save that should Ellen MacArthur be onboard - she would no doubt scamper up in no time at all.
Robin
Pleiades of Birdham
MXWQ5
Robin
Pleiades of Birdham
MXWQ5
fishermantwo
Well-Known Member
Interesting note in Andy Evans single handed sailing book on the Top Climber. He makes the point that you have to keep the two ascenders apart at all times. If they touch they can jam in position!
lw395
Well-Known Member
The plywood one is the same principle, but mine has a bit of 2x2 to stand on, a metal plate which the fairleads are on, and some fabric on the back to stop it scratching the mast. The footloops are rope in plastic tube. Scrap box stuff basically, the cleat is an old one, a bit worn from thin line, but still works very positively on lines 10mm and up.
DoubleEnder
Well-Known Member
I just did the mast climbing course arranged by CA. The teacher is Barney Green and we did it at a training facility in North London, at the S end of the M1. I was very impressed, and I learned a lot in a few hours.
Barney's firm is www,highersafety.com and I think he's got more courses planned. I really can't recommend him highly enough.
For context, I am 56, not superlightweight, not very fit. But there are techniques and equipment that make it possible, though frankly it was hard work. I won't go in to detail because I am not the expert. Maybe if you are used to using climbing gear it wouldn't be so useful but for an average person like me it was very very good.
There were 9 people on the course, some older than me. It cost £65 but I imagine that may vary according to location/cost of facilities. Very good value.
Graham
Barney's firm is www,highersafety.com and I think he's got more courses planned. I really can't recommend him highly enough.
For context, I am 56, not superlightweight, not very fit. But there are techniques and equipment that make it possible, though frankly it was hard work. I won't go in to detail because I am not the expert. Maybe if you are used to using climbing gear it wouldn't be so useful but for an average person like me it was very very good.
There were 9 people on the course, some older than me. It cost £65 but I imagine that may vary according to location/cost of facilities. Very good value.
Graham