Re: Raising Mast

Phlzfan (phlzfan@desupernet.net)
Mon, 23 Aug 1999 19:21:12 -0700


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West Wight Potter Website at URL
http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
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> I just returned home with a new to me Potter 15 # 1317. What is the best
> way to step the mast and attach the forestay by myself. I am a new Potter
> owner and new to sailing.

1. Attach the Main Halyard to the deck plate where the forestay will
eventually go.
2. Cleat the Halyard to its usual cleat on the mast.
3. Holding the halyard in your hand (against the side of the mast), lift
the mast onto the step, and, assuring that the shrouds are not twisted,
raise the mast to the vertical.
4. Pull on the halyard until it is holding the mast vertical, and cleat
it off to the mast as tight as you can. The mast is now standing alone and
is secure with the main halyard serving as a temporary forestay.
5. Take the actual forestay forward, and, using the halyard to give
yourself slack (push up on it), fasten the forestay.
6. Remove the halyard from the forward deck plate (you may need to loosen
it from its cleat on the mast first).
7. Voila!

I have used this system many times without trouble, even stepping the mast
with the boat in the water (Yes, yes, going forward without tipping over).
Using the halyard to give yourself slack is the key in my opinion.

Good luck.

Scott Paist
P-15 TUMP
Lancaster, PA