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Attach the Tackle


Tying the block to the mast with a loop Back up this loop with a safety knot

Take a stout line and tie the lower block with a loop around the mast, just loose enough to slide along it. This knot is a bowline, but tied "inside out" since the force will be from the loop instead of the standing part.

You don't want this knot to slip, so back it up with some safety knots.

Note: this line needs to be loose enough to clear obstacles as the block is raised, but not so loose that the tackle becomes two-blocked up top when lifting the mast.

Hoist the loop to the spreaders and tie the bitter end at the base of the mast

Pull on the bitter end of the tackle and send the loop and block up to the spreaders.

The line is then cleated to the base of the mast. The cleat will take the load when the mast is vertical. As the mast is tipped, the weight will shift to the loop.

Look up and inspect everything. Things should appear to be clear and running free (this inspection process should be performed throughout the entire setup).

Guy the A-Frame <-Previous   Next-> Lead the Tackle


Offshore Sailing book cover Offshore Sailing by Bill Seifert with Daniel Spurr

We went to a Windjammers lecture to hear Bill Seifert and I was impressed enough to buy the book on the spot. I've heard a lot of people talk about ways to improve a boat, but I've never heard one person suggest so many good ideas that I hadn't considered. Part of the charm is the specificity of the suggestions. Everyone says you should secure your floorboards, hatchboards and batteries. Bill shows good suggestions on how to do so.

The suggestions are very practical for the do-it-yourselfer, too. Many show how to make or adapt inexpensive solutions. Tip #12 on closing the deck blower vents is one that will pay off for me without ever going offshore. I'll implement that one to stop the wintertime storms from finding their way belowdecks.

Besides modifications, the book also includes advice for operating offshore, cooking, boat selection, dealing with bureaucracy, and more.

Bill Seifert has worked at Tartan, TPI, and Alden Yachts. He's a veteran of many Marion-Bermuda races and now runs his own yacht management company. His tips are born of experience--not of book-learning--and it shows. He obviously knows his stuff.

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