I have been unfaithful
For many years I have wanted to downsize from my Ecume De Mer to a Micro 18.
Just before I had a fortnight in France I bought a Micro 18(specifically a Micro Gem 550) and last Sunday somebody bought my Ecume De Mer - the money is tucked away in the bank.
As yet I haven't sailed my new boat - I am not confident erecting the mast for the first time by myself but I have my daughter's boyfriend over on Sunday so if the weather is decent I may pressgang him into helping with the mast and then launch her.
The plan is to use the slip at Largs Yacht Haven - that leads straight on to a pontoon, get her set up and then sail up to Kip. I could use the slip at Kip for free but that is external to the marina so at least for the first time it is easier at Largs. Once at Kip I will leave her on a pontoon there and hopefully the weather will improve.
It's all very exciting!
Peter
Fasten the backstay and a set of shrouds on each side. Think I put the uppers on.
Lay the mast along the coachroof so you can get the bolt through the mast-foot. Lay the mast on a fender so you can do this.
tie a length of string to the forestay
One of you stands at the back of the cockpit with the mast on their shoulder and walks forward, lifting the mast as you go.
The other takes the weight whilst the first stands with one foot on each cockpit seat for extra height.
This is the critical bit and a grunt helps.
One pushing the mast the other pulling raise to vertical. Climb out of cockpit and onto coachroof, pushing the mast. One has the forestay by now and takes the weight of it all for a few seconds.
Pull on the string to get the forestay down to the fitting and get it fastened - a shove on the mast helps here and not have the backstay over-tight.
Bingo.
Thank you Mr Claymore.
I have done it on various other boats - up to 27ft - but a while ago. I don't have a mast support at the back of the cockpit so once the mast foot bolt is in the mast will be resting on the back edge of the hatch.
I am of a diminutive stature but my assistant is a lot taller so I think he will get the job of the lift and walk forward and I will pull the forestay and get it fastened off. I did wonder if the pole uphaul might be better for pulling at the front as the angle should be slightly better but I think it's swings and roundabouts as the leverage will be less.
At the moment the forecast is showing upwards of 15kts of wind on Sunday which is slightly more than I wanted for my first sail, Largs to Kip, so we'll decide on the day.
I, too am short of the airse.
The fender needs to be placed on the hatch cover as far back as you can.
Spot on with the taller person doing the lift
Its better if they are also younger.....
