David, The first safety rule is that you need TWO lines securing you. You climb on one halyard (usually main) and use a second halyard (jib, spinnaker?) as a secondary safety line.
Additionally, I would suggest having a length of webbing (climbing tubular webbing tied in a loop) with a carabiner, which you would use to keep you close to the mast. It should be long enough to let you move comfortably, but short enough to prevent swinging. The loop should be attached to your harness. Such loop would also protect you in case that everything else fails - if you slide down the mast you would hang on the spreaders (if you are above; but if you are below you would land with a thud, but probably without much damage, on the deck). Never use shackles or worse yet, quick-release shackles in your personal safety gear. Use knots that you trust. I use a bowline, but many would question its reliability. An alpine butterfly or similar knot is much better. Btw. If you climb aloft and plan to do any work, consider using some foot loops. If you are sitting in the harness or the bosun’s chair, you can only reach within your arms length. If you have foot loops attached to the same line, you can stand in the loops and could do much more up there. This pays big, especially when you have to work at the mast head - your harness would hold you to the height of the halyard sheave (and not any higher), but you may want to look at the mast head from above. If you have these foot loops attached around the mast, you would have a very strong foothold and almost a secure platform to stand on. And lastly - for any mast climbing exercises, use mountaineering climbing gear (not sailing gear). It is lighter, better and easier to use (people who designed it use it a lot). Good luck Marek From: CnC-List <cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com> On Behalf Of David Knecht via CnC-List Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2019 13:42 To: CnC CnC discussion list <CnC-List@cnc-list.com> Cc: David Knecht <davidakne...@gmail.com> Subject: Stus-List Climbing the mast I picked up a used Mastclimber on Ebay this winter. I have not used it yet, but am thinking ahead so I am ready when I need it. When I went up the mast a few years ago with an expert’s equipment and help, I was pulled up on a halyard and the main winch. I had a strap around the mast to keep me from swinging out away from the mast in waves. The ATN device allows you to climb a fixed halyard so should have less tendency for swinging. I am wondering if I should still have a safety strap around the mast, but if so, it must be something that is easily attached and detached to get above spreaders. Do the expert climbers in the group think that safety is necessary, and if so, what device do I want? Line with carabiners on each end or something else? Thanks- Dave S/V Aries 1990 C&C 34+ New London, CT [cid:image001.png@01D4EFAF.A6630710]
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