raise it!
You don't have to have a Mast-up to raise a C-22 mast, but its helpful. At or yacht club there is a mast hoist, maybe a yacht club nearby has one, and would be willing to rent it out for an hour or so. If not, you can raise it yourself or with 1 other person. Its very awkward though. Place the bottom of mast in its deck fitting, put the bolt through it, and secure with a nut. your mast should be resting on your stern pulpit. Attach a come-along line to the eye of your forward stay, but don't use a huge knot. Let it lay on the deck, and over the bow.Attach all of your stays and shrouds to their deck fittings. Starting at the stern, lift the mast, walking forward as it goes up. If you have a 2nd person, have that person hold the come-along line over the bow. You kind of need to be strong, because all of the weight of the mast is resting on you. Now for the hard part. If you are alone, once the mast is up, you need to keep the mast pulled forward, while you change positions from the mast step to your bow pulpit. I've found that this is a matter of timing, more than strength. Do not let go of the come-along line! Tie the come-along somewhere secure, but to where the eye of your forward stay is near its deck fitting. A second person pushing the mast forward is helpful in this. If you are alone, you need to tie the come-along tightly enough that it holds the mast leaning forward. Secure your forward stay in the deck fitting, tighten all shrouds and stays, put up your sails, and enjoy Cancun! Its not as easy as it sounds, but once you get a routine, it'll go smoothly. I now raise my mast with a mast hoist, and at least 2 other people, and do it once a year. Write back if you have any questions, or to let me know how you did. Best Wishes The Pirate of Sha-lin
