How to attach a flag halyard to backstay?

[Patrick]

I'm considering getting one of those kits that allow you to rig a flag halyard onto the back stay. I've got a 1985 Catalina 27 and am curious how you access the backstay to do that. I'm assuming that the block is attached higher up on the backstay than I can reach. How have others done? I'm hoping not to have to go up the mast, by the way. Thanks in advance for any help.Patrick

 

[John Visser]

Good question

I wonder about that too. However, even though I (temporarily) fly Old Glory from the backstay (actually my topping lift), protocol suggests flying it from the leech of the main, two thirds up, or from a staff at the stern, on center or offset to starboard. jv

 

[Trevor]

The ol' bosun's chair

I winched my wife about 10' off the deck in the bosun's chair and she attached the top block for the halyard (along with the radar reflector above that) to the backstay. I removed the backstay prior so she could work while hanging by the mast. I used the main halyard as a temporary backstay during this process and simply reconnected the backstay when the project was complete. Best of luck,Trevor