Dismasting discussion

[Dick Westwood]

A few weeks ago, there was a discussion of tools for cutting shrouds and stays in the event of a dismast. I'm unable to find it using the archive search tools. Can anyone point me to it?Sorry that this is not really a sail trim topic. Although, perhaps, it's relevant to what happens if you get the trim really really wrong.Thanks.Dick

 

[Cap'n Ron]

Dismast - jury rig

Dick, Many cruisers start out with good sharp bolt cutters, but they oft get rusty if not cred for, and will more 'bend' the stay than cut it.I found that rounding the stay with electrical tape, then a quick saw with a sharp hack saw works well. I used this method many times when installing Sta-locks on 1X19 terminal ends.You can oft winch the broken spar aboared for use as a 'jury rig' mast too.While cruising, I always kept a coil of gav rigging wire, and some cable clips (U shaped bolts) for emergency repairs.

 

[Ross]

I was involved in the recovery of

the mast that came down with the sails set on a calm day. (The turnbuckle on the forestay broke) It took the efforts of three men to pull the sails and mast back on board. We secured the mast to the boat with ropes and started pulling the sails out of the water. They were of course full of trapped water and had to drain as they came up. I am not sure what kind of a nightmare it would be on a (sorry about this) Dark and stormy night.