Mast climbing - single handed

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

Depends how fit you are. I use a mast ladder hoisted up and a bosom chair for when i get on top to be able to relax and work and for additional security.

 

[trapezeartist]

Depends how fit you are. I use a mast ladder hoisted up and a bosom chair for when i get on top to be able to relax and work and for additional security.

A bosom chair? The mind boggles!

 

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

A bosom chair? The mind boggles!

Sometimes I get too excited

 

[PeterGibbs]

Hi
i sail single handed most of the time and end up the mast at least a couple of times a year,i have two pretzel asenders with short rope from each with a pair of horse riding styrups attached,you slide up one hand and foot place your wheight on it and lift up the uther hand and foot,i use the main halyard which is 12mm and replaced every two years there is also a spare halyard,hope this helps, ocean pilgrim

You do not need anyone to help you ascend, providing you check off the suitability of your gear. Sounds trite, but that's it.

Over 20 years I've been scampering up my masts and long ago bought the right gear, climbing stuff, fit for the job. With escape avenues in case something goes wrong.

At the risk of swamping you, heres'a note I psoted on this site a while ago. I hope you have the patience to read it:

Method:
Make the ascenders the long handled type - much easier to use. They have a hole in the end of the shank - the harness or bosun's chair ring fits in one, with a nice strong shackle if you please. I use a carribiner too for easy release.

The lower ascender connects to a wooden platform which is much more comfortable and stable than any strapping. Use a piece of stout 2 x 2 timber, about 2 feet long, for the footrest. Drill a 10mm hole close to each end. Take a piece of stout rope (5-8mm) that will bear your weight - about 4 feet long. Pass each end through one of the holes and tie a stopper knot to secure it. You now have a piece of timber with a length of rope forming a triangle, that you will brace your feet into. In the centre of the rope make a knot and fix another shackle - this will attach to the lower ascender shank.

You are ready to apply this to the dedicated piece of climbing rope (your life hangs on this so no old piece of tat will do), which should be at least 8mm to pass through the ascender and grip; length - about 2m longer than the height of the mast above deck.

The climbing rope needs to be securely attached with another shackle to the main halyard, and hauled to the top. Do not ascend the main halyard - it's not fit for the job. Lash the halyard tail to the winches / jamb off as if your life depends on it. Hey, it does... Tie off the tail of the climbing rope near the base of the mast for stability when aloft.

Using this gear needs practice - but it's not rocket science. Try setting yourself up just above the deck and practice moving the ascenders up one at a time - you will learn to lift the upper one as far as possible, then take your weight in the chair and lift your legs, moving the lower ascender up as the weight releases. Then stand up and move the upper ascender etc.

Take a strop with you (and tools of course) to pass round yourself and the mast when in the working position to steady yourself. Practice this at deck level and you will have confidence to do it right first time when aloft.

When ready to descend, you need to slacken off the gripper in the lower ascender first using the knurled knob and reattach to the climbing rope, let your feet take the strain and then lower the upper ascender.

When you graduate from this, you can use a figure of 8 and abseil down - that's what I do. Cool but not for the first time aloft.

A lot of words here but I want you to get it right and gain confidence. Do come back, if necessary.

All the best,

Peter Gibbs

 

[haydude]

I always remember a video of Ellen McArthur up the top of her rig, alone with the camera. When she came down she was exhausted, and black and blue. She's one tough sailor.

I remember Samantha Davies' Vendee Globe video showing her on top of the mast with a nice smile instead!

 

[catalac]

Mast steps

I had fixed mast steps on my previous boat, made (from memory) of stainless steel rod of about 6mm diameter, with a horizontal "U" shape base and an additional welded piece from the outside of the "U" to the mast, riveted at all three points to the mast.
I found these very useful, and am currently trying to trace a supplier of these to purchase some for my current boat.
Does anyone know of a source for these please?

 

[rogerthebodger]

is this

what you are look for from http://www.bgboats.co.za/products.php?sop=long&pid=518

 

[NormanS]

is this

what you are look for from http://www.bgboats.co.za/products.php?sop=long&pid=518

I see that these are made from 5mm.
I made steps, very similar in design to these. I started with 6mm, but they seemed a bit flimsy, so made them out of 8mm 316 stainless. They are riveted with 6.4mm monel rivets.

 

[Graham_Wright]

Most threads here on mast climbing suggest having someone else on board to either hoist you up or to tend a safety line.

How do single-handed sailors climb their masts safely at sea?

The MastaClimba is brilliant but how do you get down again on your own?

 

[Chris_Robb]

I use this: http://www.leisureowners.org.uk/hurst_marine/index.shtml , a webbing ladder that you hoist up the mainsail track. Brilliant piece of kit and not expensive, makes it really easy to get up and down. I had the ascender method before, found it a real struggle, was worried about getting stuck up there and it chewed up the ropes. Colin

I just bought one of these

http://www.gdeffee.freeserve.co.uk/

Much more comfortable on the feet when standing at the top for a long time, and much easier to climb with the rigid rungs.