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Every sailor is liable to experience the sudden fall of a mast. Whether in ocean racing or coastal cruising, dismasting is a shock, both literally and figuratively. The challenge is twofold: to protect those on board, and to prevent irreversible damage to the boat.
Immediately secure the crew
In the event of dismasting, the greatest risk is to the crew. Cables in tension, sails feathered, a spar that floats and hits the hull... The scenes can be violent. So you need to :
- check the physical integrity of each crew member,
- remove all occupants from the area of the downed mast,
- keep each crew member on deck with their harness. Without the mast, the boat's movements can be surprising.
It is essential to manage stress on board and maintain calm to facilitate subsequent actions. Beware of seasickness, which can come on very quickly, as a mastless sailboat makes the water boil. Taking anti-seasickness pills as a preventive measure is highly recommended.
Avoid damage to hull and rudder
A submerged mast, dragging aft or along the hull, can act as a battering ram. The priority is therefore to :
- stop the engine immediately (risk of damaging the propeller with ropes or shrouds),
- moor or restrain the mast if possible,
- cut the most dangerous elements (shrouds, stays, halyards) if they pose a threat.
Choosing between keeping or abandoning the mast
There is no single rule. If the sea is calm and the spar can be safely retrieved, it can be hoisted aboard with the halyards. On the other hand, if the equipment threatens to puncture the hull or cause the boat to heel, it's best to cast off.
This decision is based on :
- sea conditions,
- sailboat stability,
- the position of the mast and the forces it exerts.
Leaving the mast in the water means losing valuable equipment, but often saves the boat.
Essential equipment to have on board
Anticipating dismasting also means having the right tools and accessories on hand. A well-thought-out inventory often makes the difference between controlled damage and a critical situation. Here are the essentials:
- Fixed blade marine knife for rapid cutting of tensioned rope.
- Cable cutters useful for cutting stays and props.
- Durable gloves safe handling of cables and metal debris.
- Hacksaw for cutting spars or accessing damaged areas.
- Battery-operated electric grinder a hacksaw is often not enough to cut the genoa and furling tube.
- Waterproof headlamps if the incident occurs at night.
- Ropes and ropes to temporarily hold or secure damaged components.
- Portable waterproof VHF : essential if the main antenna is damaged.
This equipment must be stored in a quick-access compartment within easy reach of the cockpit.
Maintaining communications
On most sailboats, the VHF antenna is located at the masthead. In the event of dismasting, it becomes unusable. It is therefore essential to have a waterproof portable VHF on board.
If the situation degenerates or if you are far from the coast :
- report your position to CROSS via VHF channel 16,
- activate an emergency beacon (EPIRB or PLB) if necessary,
- listen carefully to the instructions.
Effective communication ensures rapid rescue and reassures the crew.
