Getting to the masthead on a fractional rig.

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Spinnakerup

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This is to solicit some solutions for reaching a masthead on a fractional rig with no main halyard or topping lift in place.

Recently we lost (broke) a main halyard on a Sigma 33. After trying many schemes we eventually motored two hours to rendevous with a crane.

I have since read about Mastmate and Deffee ladders but these seem to only apply where there is at least one halyard in place.

Any clever ideas ?
 
I see from your bio that you have no profile yet. However, if you are on or near the Solent, you could try Sheppards Wharf in Cowes. They have a telescopic platform hoist on the end of a jetty that is well suited for the work you mention.
Good luck
 
If you want to save weight aloft, fix a sturdy block to the masthead like a topping lift, but just mouse it with 3mm parachute cord. run it down the mast and tie it off at the base of the mast. When required, attach your 10/12mm line to the mouse and reeve it though. Voila you have a safe method of getting to the top without real weight or windage penalty. Attach the spinnaker halyard for safety, at least you will only fall about 4 feet if the top bit goes wrong!
 
Yep, fully understand the problem as I've a fractional rig too. We tend to use a good quality topping lift that will safely take 3 times the weight of either SWMBO or me to the top in the event of losing the halyard.

Ok, before you all rocket back about safety etc, we know it's risky and have only done it once - when the halyard topping lift tangled inside the mast. As all our halyards are removed from the mast, washed and inspected each winter, we are completely relaxed as to their integrity.

When we're away full time cruising, we replace the topping lift with a much heavier 'full size' halyard, as a back up for the main halyard, as well as a 'beefier' means of going aloft.

As others have said, either a platform hoist or crane seems about the only way unless you've got a very agile crew! I have seen a boat moor alongside a bridge to get access, but this was in the Med. where there was no tidal flow and no wind.
It worked though!

We thought about Jim's idea of a light line/block, but we didn't go this route because we know the condition of of lines very well so, for example, the usual topping was replaced last year, even though it was only faded, not worn - just in case!!

Jerry
 
All true jerry, but note that the boat is a Sigma 33, and therefore likely to be engaged on go faster activities, thus offering to save weight aloft! They could then get back to harbour, and get the heavier line out of the boot of the car!
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Jim
 
Suggest you find a pair of tape loops similar to the ones used for climbing. Put the loops around the mast in the form of a prussic knot attach the lower one to a sit harness and attach the upper one to your feet with some rope or whatever. stand in the foot loops move the sit harness loop up and so on. Use Duck (duct, gaffer tape round the mast )to improve friction if you need to.
Make sure you have confortable harness before you start.
 
Easiest way is to raft up alongside another boat and go up their mast instead. You then just lasoo your own mast and pull the two boats together. Should be able to do that easy enough with Sigma.

Dave.
 
You chould have come to Cardiff Barrage or Bristol Floating Dock last weekend. We had a 12.0 metre tide, so you could have reached your masthead from the dockside, after entering either dock at Low Water Springs.

Or you could have careened her on the Bramble Bank instead....
 
Thanks all. Prior to posing the question the boat had been put into Crosshaven Boat Yard in Cork for the atttention of a crane.

For your interest. Going alongside a pier wall or other masts weren't real options at the time of the problem. Attepting a freeclimb was the the only one. This was unsuccessful.

Considering your suggestions and some new thoughts the following MIGHT have worked.

1. Tie a bowline in one of the genoa halyards. This could have provided the first foothold at the genoa halyard exit.

2. Use 3M antislip taped to the mast as friction for handgrip while climbing

3. Use 3m antislip as a surface for clove hitches with loops in for subsequent footholds (unsafe i'm sure)

4. Ascend. Clip onto mast head with a short strop i had prepared

Subsequent thoughts:
Know your masthead before you go there. i.e. can you actually clip on anywhere ?
Must learn about prussic knots.
Never go about with out a topping lift in or at the very least a mouse in that slot.
Maybe we shouldn't race about in Force 6/7 !!!!

Rest assured a topping lift is now being inserted along side a new main halyard. Looking a purchasing a spare main halyard also.

Thanks again all
 
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