[Public-list] Up The Mast

[richard.hazlegrove at wachovia.com]

I might suggest you look at the Mast Mate product as a compromise.  I have 
used this for a number of years and found it to be a safe method of going 
aloft.  (disclaimer - I have no interest in this company)  You can see it 
on their web site - mastmate.com.  I actually use this plus two other 
separate attachment systems when going up. 

The mast mate itself is a well constructed webbed ladder that is hoisted 
up the mainsail track using the main halyard and is attached to the mast 
using sail slides.  The top two steps are side by side so you can stand 
and work at the masthead. 

In addition to the steps they also sell a sturdy workbelt that has one 
strap that attaches tightly around you waist with a second longer strap 
that is led around the mast like a utility lineman.  This frees you hands 
to work. It has a pouch attached to the side to hold tools etc. 

I also use a third safety device that they sold to me at the time that 
consists of a small cam device that is attached over a secured unused 
halyard.  The cam has a short (18") strap that attaches to the rings on my 
offshore harness. The cam rides up the fixed halyard and follows you up 
the mast but any downward pressure on the strap locks the cam.  Going down 
you simply uplift the cam strap and slide it down every step or two. 

I know this may sound like overkill but for the most part I agree with 
Gordon.  I would be VERY uncomfortable going up the mast using just the 
steps.  This system allows you to work without putting your life in 
someone else's hands.  To me the compromise is cost (read not cheap) and 
the fact that you need to drop the mainsail slides off the track in order 
to load the slides that are attached to the ladder.  Even still it takes 
only about ten minutes to rig. 
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