working up the mast
I second the suggestion about the bosun's seat and a safety line. All three of my kids think its a blast to go up the mast. A couple of other things, before you do it. First, attach lanyards to all of the tools being taken up the mast, and make sure the lanyards are tied or otherwise connected to the bosun's chair. A dropped tool will a least ding your deck or go swimming. At worst, some one below could get seriously injured. Second, train the mast climber to do the repair before they go up, as much as possible. Its very hard to tell someone how to repair something when they lack basic concepts and volcabulary. Third, once they're up, lock off and/or tie off the halyards until its time to bring them down. Finally, kick everyone not directly involved in the repair off the boat and keep them off. Movement of the boat produces very exaggerated movements of the mast and the person trying to work. If they are unprepared for the boat heeling as people move around or get on or off, it can be very scary for them. This not only reduces their ability and willingness to work, it can cause parts to come raining down on your head/deck/ surrounding waters. Good luck. Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo
