1. Choosing the right halyard
The good halyard is first of all a halyard in good condition. Usually the main halyard is chosen because it is free.
The spinnaker halyard has the advantage of being closer to the windlass. If it is electric and equipped with a winch headstock, with a pulley for returning to the winch, you will be able to hoist the climber by the force of the batteries. Beware, however, if this halyard passes through a pulley on the outside of the mast. In this case, plan to secure yourself with a second halyard.
If you use climbing equipment, make sure the halyard diameter is compatible with your blockers.
2. Tying a bowline
Forget the shackles to tie you up, they're not designed for that purpose. The chair knot was invented to go up the mast because it cannot be released under tension. The elders used to sit in its loop like a chair, hence its name.
3. Mast chair or harness?
The mast chair is very practical when equipped with multiple large pockets. But it remains much less secure than a climbing harness, or better: a caving harness equipped with shoulder straps. Make sure that the harness (or harness in mountain language) will not cut off blood circulation to your legs after a long pause at the masthead.
4. The Winchman
Choose a muscular crew member with good breathing capacity... Or multiply the effort by sending the halyard back to the genoa winches, which are often bigger than those of the piano.
Explain the operation of the wedging cleats. They have to stay closed all the way up.
Show him how to open them without making you fall (by holding the halyard after the winch). Ask him to take you down at a steady speed. Finally, he has to keep an eye on you while he's reeling you in for the climb.
5.Attach and prepare your tools before mounting
A little bitch on the rivet gun, a strap to put around the wrist for your drill can prevent some unfortunate accidents. Use a cylindrical bag rather than a bucket to carry the material. He's less likely to tip over.
6. Installing a masthead work station
Rivet 2 retractable mast steps 1.20m from the headrest, you will be much more comfortable to change bulbs and antennas.
7. Going up on your own
This is possible with an adapted device: mast ladder, multi-strand hoist, caving or climbing equipment such as Trackson and gri-gri. Whatever you choose, make sure you take great care and take a suitable means of communication with you. Read the article : Climbing up to the mast : what equipment to be autonomous
8. Climbing the mast at sea
This time you really need to use a harness. And place yourself inside a strap that you will slide around the mast. It will prevent you from straying too far from it... Don't forget that swell movements are very amplified at the masthead: it's even possible that you get seasick up there.
I'm sure I'm forgetting some. Perhaps you have other ideas?
