"Step" a mast - terminology ?

[Boo2]

I'd always supposed that "stepping" a mast was a term meaning putting it in the upright position, ie mounting it on its step, and "unstepping" the mast was the process of taking it down off of its step. But I keep coming across references which use the term "stepping" for what I mean by "unstepping". So which is right ?

Boo2

 

[ancientsailor]

We always used to

step (I've just had a look at my old Boatswain's Manual and Admiralty Manual of Seamanship - and they agree)

and

strike

a mast when finished

and while we're on the subject of terms ... we used to fake (not flake) ropes and lines ... but there's much less agreement on this

I still remember as a cadet being shouted at for saying "flake" when we were about to stream the (towed) log

 

[alan_d]

From the Oxford Companion to Ships & the Sea, 1979 edition:

STEP A MAST, to, the operation of erecting a mast by fitting the heel into the step on the keelson of a vessel and setting up all its standing rigging.

 

[prv]

I agree with Boo.

Pete

 

[2nd_apprentice]

Never mind the terminology, it's the result that counts:

click!

 

[Boo2]

click!

I particularly liked "There was no second safety line rigged". Also, is the girl with the long hair and glasses wearing underpants ? I hope so, or she'll catch a chill.

Boo2

 

[William_H]

The English language

Yes i think the terms are probably correct however they may become superseded or forgotten in very quick time because our language is a very fluid thing.
We have a TV show on Friday nights including a section on a very much expert linguist on words meanings and origins. One thing strikes me that she would never say what is "correct" only reporting how words have been and are sometimes used and even spelled. The point being that to a degree anything goes.

Likewise stories of the writing of the Oxford dictionary describe how it tried to identify how words were used and their spelling not at all what is correct. I think it is just old "Bs" who want things to stay the same.

So to me "put the mast up" is just as good as "stepping the mast." and flaking a rope is far better than faking it. Just an opinion from a colonialist. olewill

 

[ProDave]

Never mind the terminology, it's the result that counts:

You have to give them 10 out of 10 for lateral thinking and using their initiative.

I guess the aim of starting at 4AM was to ensure nobody noticed what they were doing, but it obviously took a lot longer than expected.

I would be curious to know if charges had been brought, what law they were breaking? probably just some local bylaw specific to that bridge.