[Alberg30] Towing by bow cleats

[SandersM at aol.com]

In a message dated 9/28/01 8:34:18 PM, sutherlandt at prodigy.net writes:

<< I would not recommend towing from a "deck stepped" mast. If you do not
feel comfortable attaching to the forward cleats I might suggest
attaching a bridal to the main sheet winches. >>

Okay, I was the poor soul who, alone among all list members, suggested towing 
by the mast.  And I've read all of the replies, and I am more than somewhat 
chastened by them all.  But I must say that I am not yet convinced that I was 
wrong.  I take the point that the mast stands on a step that does not inspire 
confidence that the mast would remain standing when a lateral force (such as 
a tow line under load) is applied.  But think about it:  Every time you sail, 
the mast absorbs huge lateral forces -- that is, the wind in the sail.  And 
what's more, it absorbs them mostly in the bottom quarter of the stick, down 
at the foot of the mainsail.  Wouldn't running in a gale produce lateral 
forces on the mast far in excess of a tow line?  Does anyone fear that 
running under sail in higher winds presents a threat of dismasting?

The mast, as several have noted, is extremely heavy.  It would take a pretty 
massive force to lift it from the step and cause it to fall.  I wonder:  Does 
anyone know of any case in which an A30's mast became unstepped when rigged, 
under any load, for any reason other than a failure of standing rigging?  Has 
anyone ever heard of any mast being pulled from its step by a tow line?  
These are not meant to be rhetorical questions -- I'm just wondering whether 
the fears that have been expressed are grounded in experience.

The common wisdom imparted to me at an early age was to tow by the mast, and 
it was never qualified to apply only to keel-stepped masts.  Now, I'm pretty 
thoroughly confused.  Good thing I traded in my Alberg for a Chris Craft!

Sanders McNew
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