On reading the article by Olaf Swarbrick in the autumn Bulletin on mast raising I thought I would write about my experiences on the subject.

I used to berth my boat on a mooring off the Coombe Cellars pub on the river Teign, South Devon. There was good river sailing around high water but Teignmouth Bridge to negotiate when leaving the river. The Wayfarer mast was light enough to handle single handed. I used a handy-billy with a long tail so that it could be operated from the cockpit. The boat I have now is a James Wharram-designed Tiki 21 Catamaran. Its mast is a hollow wooden spar 21’ long and 6” in diameter — circular in cross section. It is light enough for one person to pick up and carry around but not to stand on end. It is mounted on a tabernacle of sorts as per the original design. It works adequately but ropes do get caught up if you’re not careful.

Raising the mast became a practical proposition when I stayed the mast in line with its pivot point. The shrouds are attached behind the pivot point to prevent the mast moving forward. As the mast swings back they go slack no longer keeping the mast on the centre line (Fig 1). Not only do the special stays for lowering the mast need to be in line with the pivot point in plan view (Fig 2) they also have to be in line in cross section (Fig 3). This would be difficult in the example of the Devon Dayboat as the mast is stepped on the cabin top some distance above the deck. It would also be difficult on a Wayfarer type arrangement as that pivot point is well below deck level. For most deck mounted masts however, it should be a viable proposition to either fit permanent stays as I have done, or use halyards to fit temporary says when handling the mast.

I also found it necessary to raise the forestay to get a wide enough angle to raise the mast (Fig 4). I started off with an A-frame that lifted it about 4’ 6” but the effort required was of Rambo proportions. Now I have a 9’ pole that is mounted at the foot of the mast, and like the mast it has stays to hold it on the centre line.

With this arrangement, handling the mast is so easy that I almost want to do it in front of the club house just to show off. I have spent most of the past year by the bridge that goes across to Hayling Island and can choose to sail in either Chichester Harbour or Langstone Harbour. I may make a proper mast support for when the mast is down. Otherwise I am delighted with the way it all works. I am proposing to use a similar arrangement on a Norfolk Oyster that has a heavy wooden mast.