Climbing the mast of a boat is one of the most daunting tasks for sailors. In fact, they are not wrong to feel this way, because looking down from several meters above the ground while attached to a rope is something that would make anyone’s heart race.

It is important to recognize that this is not a simple or risk-free task, but rather a dangerous one that carries serious potential risks. For this reason, it should preferably be done by professionals.

However, in some cases, it may be unavoidable due to the repair of a critical electronic navigation aid or a jammed mast that is necessary for navigation, and the task may fall to you.

In such cases, the topics discussed below are of great importance for safety reasons.

1. Step

First, the most experienced, preferably the lightest, and healthiest person is selected to climb the mast. This is because the person must be resilient and experienced to withstand the adrenaline rush caused by the height of the mast, which is several meters above the ground, and sometimes the swaying caused by waves and wind. Additionally, they must have the experience to know where to look and how to solve problems, while also minimizing the burden on both the boat’s equipment and those operating the winch.

2. Step

The second issue is the selection of appropriate equipment. There are two types of “harnesses” that can be used when climbing the mast. One is the “seat-style traka,” and the other is the “climbing harness,” which consists of straps that wrap around the legs. The seat-style traka provides comfort and ease during the time spent above and the duration of the work, while the other provides easier climbing and freedom of movement on the mast. However, the most important factor is that the equipment is sturdy, regardless of the type. It is critical that the equipment that will hold us meters above the ground has no tears, weakened areas, or rotten sections. Regular maintenance and inspections of this equipment over the years can be vital in an emergency situation.

Step 3

The third and equally important issue is the selection of the ropes to be used. Generally, using the spare balloon rope for this purpose is meaningful in terms of both strength and reaching the top of the mast. As a secondary or backup option, if available, the second balloon rope can be used, or if not, the balancina or main sail rope can be used. However, it is very important to use a second rope in any case.

Before using these ropes, they must be thoroughly inspected to ensure that they are not damaged, frayed, or in good condition. Preferably, they should not be thinner than 10 mm or should be a type of rope that can provide this strength.

The person climbing the mast should inspect the ropes themselves and then secure them to two different attachment points on the mast using a rope knot. Typically, one will be at the front and one at the back. Securing the ropes with a rope knot rather than a lock is always the safest method.

Step 4

The fourth step is selecting the people who will lift the person onto the mast with the help of a crane and using the cranes. Here, it is important to select people who are physically strong, highly experienced, and trustworthy. In addition, the strongest and most reliable crane on the boat must be used during the lifting process. Therefore, if the first cranes at the point where the ropes come out are not large enough, the ropes can be transferred from these cranes to the Genoa cranes.

It should be noted that during the process of lifting the mast, one should not rely solely on the crane’s locking mechanism; the piano clamps must also be closed. Additionally, it is beneficial to take extra safety precautions by placing a stopper on the rope. The ropes are wound around the winch in an appropriate number of turns depending on their thickness. It is important to remember that too few turns will not create enough friction, while too many turns may cause jamming. Generally, 4 turns are sufficient for a 10mm rope.

During the process of placing a person on the pole, there should be no rushing, and the cranes should be used steadily and properly. The use of electric cranes is not recommended during this process. When using the crane, the force applied should not be too fast or too slow; a steady pull should be maintained. When removing the primary mandrel with the crane, the second mandrel should be continuously removed in an unloaded state so that it is not as heavily loaded as the first.

Before climbing the mast, the equipment to be used above must be securely fastened to the track using a bag or bucket. This ensures that the required equipment can be easily accessed above while preventing it from falling down. A set of keys falling from above poses a significant danger to those on the deck and can also damage the hull of the boat or bounce into the sea.

Even if the equipment is secured with a bag, it is very important for safety reasons that no one is waiting at the base of the mast when climbing it. In addition, before climbing the mast, it would be very useful to establish a sign language method for communication between the top of the mast and those below, as well as to have a handheld radio available.

When climbing the mast, the person climbing should wrap their legs and arms around the mast to prevent swaying due to waves or wind. Additionally, while climbing, constant communication with those below is necessary, and care must be taken not to hit the gurcata or electronics. If the work at the top will take a long time, securing oneself to the mast with a rope will make the task easier.

After the work is completed, the people on the crane have a big job to do during the descent. Two ropes and two cranes must work together in harmony. First, the pianos are opened, and then the ropes are removed from the crane locks. The crane is opened quite far away, and the number of turns is adjusted to the point where the rope can slide due to friction. Then, a long rope is released smoothly but slowly. The coordinated operation of the two ropes is important. Releasing the rope in short, intermittent bursts will damage the rigging and greatly disturb the person climbing the mast. Therefore, without losing visual contact and communication with the person climbing the mast, the rope should be released slowly, smoothly, and in a controlled manner at long intervals.

(Once fully lowered, the person climbing the mast may wish to kiss the deck. This is a fairly common behavior :))