Carrying our stick aboard

[Ostinato]

We are getting ready to sail our cat to Turkey via the Rhine and Danube and would like some advice on carrying our mast on board. Shipping it is too expensive.

1. Since the mast is raked backward is it best to remove or relax all standing rigging? If not which portions would you keep tensioned?

2. Also, can I expect the mast to straighten if I release the standing rigging and how do I re-tension it if it does this?

3. I intend to support the mast at two points in the middle with less weight being carried on either end. Does this make sense?

4. How should I protect the ends? They will stick out about 4ft at the stern and 8ft at the bow.

5. Is there anything else I should be concerned about?

[Factor]

I would be consulting, inthe following order

Your original Rig Manufacturer, the boat builder, a local rig services company

[Ostinato]

Good ideas. The boat builder is out of business but Sparcraft and my rigger may be able to help. But I was hoping to also get some responses by people who have done this.

[multihullsailor6]

Hi 0stinato,

That's quite a long voyage you're planning with the mast down.

1) I would support the mast at three or four points, the closest you can get to the sticking out ends the better.

2) Both ends need severe padding, I would suggest you obtain some flat 5-6mm rubber sheets and wrap it around the mast's ends securely. Then paint the rubber bright orange!

And a further comment, make sure you have many oversized fenders / tyres for the many commercial shipping locks you will be encountering. And don't forget a place to hoist the courtesy flags.

[Ostinato]

Thanks - good thoughts. Had not thought about how we will handle courtesy flags or the orange paint.

Do you think the mast should be able to give way a little on a bow - aft plain in case of collision? Someone has suggested it.

.

[scuba0_1]

Just wondering why are you taking it instead of putting it up

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