Top of Mast access

[Martin_J]

If the genoa halyard is a similar age to the broken main halyard, I would seriously consider replacing that before using it as a safety.

I would stitch the new halyard to the old, end to end, then tape, rather than just relying on tape to hold them together.

As Neeves says, a mouse line for the main is best with a small length of fine chain. I think the chain I have is like the type that would have been used on the old high level toilet cisterns. Mine also has a few short lengths of whipping twine knotted near end of the chain (so it looks like a spider) which gives a few more options when hooking it out at the bottom (or side of the mast).

 

[NormanS]

It always amazes me that so few boats have mast steps.

 

[Lightwave395]

As a man without a head for heights, I'm making a trip to the masthead this very morning using my Topclimber to replace my wind sensor.
Despite my dislike of heights I've used it several times including spending over 2 hours untangling a spinnaker wrap.
They seem to have been modified more recently (and increased in price) to use what look more like 'proper climbing ascenders' but mine still does the job.
They have a serious mobile crane with a 28 M reach in Cowes Yacht Haven, you could give them a call

 

[CPD]

Lallows. Ask for Chris. £35. Extremely helpful. Ask him nicely and will let you go up. Couldn’t be more helpful.

 

[Rhylsailer99]

i feel your pain after loosing a halyard end of last summer and only getting it sorted now after dropping the mast.

 

[thinwater]

If the genoa halyard is a similar age to the broken main halyard, I would seriously consider replacing that before using it as a safety....

^^ Yes! For certain!

 

[thinwater]

It always amazes me that so few boats have mast steps.

I see the advantages, but...

a. Climbing a halyard or rope ladder is nearly as fast.
b. I can climb a halyard with the sail up, under way. I have several times. Same with rope ladder.
c. Less windage.
d. Less to tangle.
e. Fewer holes.
f. You need a harness and safety line either way.

So no thanks. This seems to be the majority opinion. I would take a pair at the top and, in some cases, one pair at the base of the mast if the goose neck is high.