Started work on the mast – most of the hardware is gone now and masthead has been cut off so it can be replaced with a new one that has shivs that work with rope vs. wire.
Mast work has started
Mast down
Most of the standing rigging was either loosened or removed first. Then, one of the yard workers was lifted up to put a noose around the mast.
What I learned today:
- It’s possible to use jib halyard as forestay. When removing roller furler, the rigger just hooked jib halyard to steaming plate and I used the winch to tension it. Then we loosened and removed the forestay and the mast didn’t fall on our heads
- Mast needs proper drainage. When we lifted it, a few gallons of water poured from inside of it. Will need to make a few holes for draining water.
Goodbye, rotten spreaders
The wooden spreaders I had were really rotten. Following rigger’s advise, I decided to replace them with lightweight aluminum spreaders so after removing them he shipped them off to so new parts can be fabricated.
What I learned today:
- Lower shrouds are enough to keep mast in place without load of sails i.e. it’s actually possible to replace upper shrouds without taking the mast down. I was always sure that if a shroud would break the mast would come down. Not true!
- If your rig is configured right, you can use turnbuckles to tighten upper shrouds even with spreaders removed.