Hi guys, thank you for watching! Subscribe and hit the 🔔 if you haven't already ➜ bit.ly/Subscribe⛵ 📖 Be the first in line to receive our Financial Freedom PDF e-book, which explains exactly how we have been able to arrange our life so that we can go cruising, and how YOU can do this too! ➜ bit.ly/FinancialFreedomPDF Fair winds! Chris, Rossella & Emma 😊
P.S. If climbing a mast this way doesn't float your boat, here is another helpful video of ours where explain how I manufactured and fitted mast steps to our previous boat for less than $100! ➜ th-cam.com/video/S_hD4dJGUgM/w-d-xo.html
Great video. I have used this method of going up my mast several times and have a couple of observations which may be useful to people wishing to attempt it. 1. As you mentioned try descending before you go too high. Using older halyards, especially braided line can be an issue. I have had several occasions where the outer sleeve bunches up as the knot slides down the line. With older line the sleeve seems to be "milked" down the core even with the halyard pulled tight. When it gets bunched up enough this will stop your knot from sliding down further. Its simple to work around, you just take the strain of the jammed knot and loosen it, sliding it past the bunched up outer sleeve, but the first time it happens can cause a bit of panic. 2. You can release the knot some and have it slide by pulling up on it. This will allow you to slide down the halyard rather than 'walk" down it. However I do NOT recommend you do this as significant heat will be generated between the knot and the halyard - potentially sufficient to melt the thinner line. 3. As an older sailor (never thought I would refer to myself that way - but at 60 I find I need to think that way more than I used to) Climbing the mast this way is quite a work out - even being able to pause as you ascend and descend. Your legs do get a lot of exercise! Surprisingly to - your arms , which are not doing significant work, will be tired when you finish. I put this down to hanging on tighter than you realize the first few trips up the mast. Before going up the mast I suggest you try partial assents first. There is nothing worse than getting a long way off the deck and finding you don't have the leg strength to come down. Coming down is ALMOST as much work as going up, in part because you have less strength left in your legs.
I'm 72 and not a sailor. But seeing a lot of YT sailing video's I came to one conclusion: sailing is a physical demanding activity, especially the ocean sailing one. You have to be in top condition, physically and mentally.
Spot on Chris, Hazard, Likelihood, Severity, Risk! We have a blank draft RS on board for all tasks to review. Best for new crew and visitors. From when I used to abseil, and climb (some times upto 50 stories,) we used the cam cleat; on our topping lift and hoist on the main through the clutch to the st winch. Also tie off tools from the bag. Great video addressing the things many others just do not think about. We should do a collaboration video on RA for gas, fuel, fire etc. Both thinking the same way.... Sail safe, best wishes to you all Ant, Cid & the Pooch crew. xx
I use the same technique, but with some differences. I use a small piece of rope around the mast, specially if is windy or someone could make waves around me. This line should be tied to the harness loop, not to the carabiner and you will need to untied when you reach the spreaders. The other difference is, I have a rope loop about 2 foot long from the harness to the carabiner, in this way the carabiner is always close to your eyes and I can avoid snags it with my clothes or something else and accidentally open it. I implement this after found the screw gate loosen
Hi Chris, I usually have a 2nd halyard connected to a different harness. I use a bosun chair for the primary halyard and a vest harness (the kind you'd use on heavy weather sailing to tether yourself to the boat) connected to the secondary. This way you have 2 independent systems holding you safe. Thanks for showing us a way to climb unassisted. Fair winds, C
as a novice idiot sailor on a spiritual saga, this DOES seem to be the easiest, most trustworthy way to dangle. Thank you for explaining it so well. inspirational
This was an awesome presentation! Like many people (probably), I've never even heard of suspension trauma, so thank you so much for exposing me to that, and additional thanks for the Prusik knot idea--your mountaineering really came in handy there. Great job.
Great video, well thought out, straight forward and succinct. One issue that could be improved is that with the longer prussic length, it leaves you below the masthead when you reach the top. The shorter the connection between climbing harness and your static line the easier it may be to attain shoulder level at the masthead and accomplish tasks. Perhaps a 3rd prussic above the longer upper climbing one (which may give you better climbing range going up) is to place a shorter one above it that could be used at the masthead? Looks like it has been awhile since you last posted. Hope all is well.
Thank you, thank you so much Chris. I went to the mast many times but always thanks to the help of someone and a good winch. Sometimes I was alone and I was forced to give up (but I was in port and in no hurry). Your system is borrowed from mountaineering and I like it very much because I believe in the saying "... who does it himself does it for three ..."
Great video, a a cheap way of ascending and descending a mast, I bought a product called "Top climber" this gives you a bench seat to sit on and the process is very similar in action, I backup to an additional line with a prusikk Knot to a spare line in the event of failure.
Once again a brilliant idea, that should have been obvious but just isn't. I was a climber (in my youth) and this just makes so much sense. When I buy my next boat (I don't have one at the moment) I will definitely use this method to climb the mast. Thank you Chris :)
I’m going to throw my 2 cents in. Prusik lines give you control instead of handing your life over to someone else. I have never used this method but it’s very intuitive once you see it. I would, however, like to have a someone doing gentle line feed adjustments using a clutch or two on the deck and a few wraps around a winch. They can stage the line from one clutch and to the winch ( in the middle) and then feed or take it with the other clutch. Clear and focused communication is crucial so each party knows what the other is doing and wants to do or will do next.
Chris, this is great and solves a problem that i have generally being on my own on the boat. I'm going to give it a go once she is back in the water after winter and just do baby steps first to practice. One thing that I can't quite see in the video is where you secure the head end of your main halyard. Cheers.
I have used the main sheet block system to pull myself up the mast, I used the prusik knot on separate line as a safety backup. This worked well and was not overly tiring.
Hi Dave, that can work great too, although a lot of line is required. We had a comment on Facebook from someone who used a 4:1 pulley system to climb his mast solo out on a mooring on a river. When he was up his mast the line snagged on deck and he couldn't lower himself down to free it. A person passing on an SUP came and helped out avoiding a more embarrassing rescue. So whichever method anyone uses to climb a mast, some time spent on deck first thinking about what might go wrong and how to deal with that is always time well spent. Cheers, Chris 👍
@@SailingBritaly Luckily I only needed to go to the spreaders so had enough line. Earlier in the summer I had to change the standing rigging with the mast up and on the mooring. I did get help with that one!! If you ever head North (West Coast Scotland) give me a shout.
Dave Liley Chees Dave, replacing the rigging on a mooring: sounds like my kind of job! 👍 The West Coast of Scotland must be a stunning place to sail. I’ve seen some gorgeous places up there over the years (Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides was very special) but I’ve never sailed there yet. Enjoy! Chris 🙂
Hi Tom, I love anything outdoors and have been involved in lots of different adventurous activities. These kind of things teach you a lot and many of the skills are transferable into other things in life. I just gave Emma a kiss and told her it was from you. :-) Cheers, Chris 👍
Hi Earl, the foot loop is really simple. It is an O shaped climbing sling with a prusik at the top. I just stood with my foot at the bottom of the loop. Cheers, Chris 👍
How about using what we used to call Jumars ie. ascenders. There are various forms made by different manufacturers such as Petzl. Obviously they are much more expensive but very user friendly without any tendency to 'bind'? This is an excellent presenration.
Thank you! I am just learning as a solo sailor on my tiny boat. I have a deck mast step and am concerned with it's stability as I climb. Shalom 🌴🌎😊⛵️🙏🏼💕🎶
if you use silicon lubication in the luff groove dont get any on your hands or the rope or it will slip. I have done this !!! Also it is worth if you are not single handed having enough length in both ropes so you can be lowered down if you cant get down for some reason. Other wise someone will have to go up and get you !! great video thanks
Take your time and and think about everything before you leave the deck. Problem solving becomes more difficult once you get to the masthead. 😊 Cheers, Chris
Your risk assesment was very inspiring. Im a CE marking consultant (as well as a sail boat owner). I hope you will allow me to show your video as an inspiration for colleagues.
🌟 Hi Vince! I know you will have seen our "DIY Mast Steps: Made and Fitted for Less Than $100" video, but for the sake of other viewers who haven't, here is the link: th-cam.com/video/S_hD4dJGUgM/w-d-xo.html I cover the cons of mast steps in that video, but in addition to the ones listed there, there are a couple of others: 1) It would be one more job for me to do. We are really struggling at the moment to stay on top of all the things we are doing in life and the boat jobs have to be pared down to what is essential for us to do in the coming months. I can get to the masthead without the steps, so they are't essential. 2) I have fitted a spare mainsail halyard which is routed internally in the mast, and I have also replaced the mainsail halyard with brand new line, so I now have two very safe lines upon which to climb all the way to the top of the mast. I do miss the mast steps, but life is all about priorities for us these days and we have to choose what we do with our time very carefully. Thank you for supporting us on Patreon, thereby allowing us to continue making videos like this! Very best regards, Chris (plus Rossella & Emma) 😊
Thanks for very nice video! This video made theory in practise very nice way, risk analysis, and it was reason to subscribe. But one important point of DIY videos is to show how it is done! It looks like you cut it way at 8:45. I propose to do it even few times.
At the end of the day if you take H&S to the limit you don’t get out of bed in the morning, so hell to it get up and do the job. By the way try going up to the top in a gale rolling 45 degrees to free a jammed main sail now that was fun in the Indian Ocean I remember.
What a great video. When you started on about a risk assessment my eyes glazed as I assumed it would be technical and beyond. But I really got hooked as I realised how straightforward it is to identify each aspect of the task and mitigate the risks. No hard hat? What do I know? Thanks for a well explained video.
Good video - the written risk assessment was a great idea. The is a very important topic for people who do not have permanent steps. I use a system based on cavers' ascender/descender equipment and arborist's tree-climbing equipment (a GriGri is the center of the system, with a Petzl ascender and foot-loops) - I haul a sacrificial 10mm rock-climbing line up on the halyard (attached by bowline) so the main halyard isn't damaged by the ascender. A few suggestions for added safety: ... wear a helmet and fingerless gloves if not anchored or in a marina slip ; use a harness that will not let you fall out if you go upside down (e.g., if main climbing line parts); if you don't have a spotter below, take your cell phone so you can call for help if you get stuck or injured; don't let anyone stand/sit directly below you (danger from falling tools) - a spotter can send up tools/parts you forgot to take (or which you dropped) if you bring a light mast-length line up with you; use a 3rd level of fall protection - i.e., an adjustable loop around the mast (a 'lanyard' - like tree-climbers and linemen use) - you'll only fall to the next spreaders down, and it'll limit your lateral swing as the mast swings. A very important part of the climb is thorough planning of what tasks you'll do, and the tools & parts needed. Do a thorough safety check (especially if you haven't been up for a while), and don't plan to do too much during one ascent. Final thought for those putting together a solo climbing system ... consider getting a tree-climbing harness (or a professional rigging harness) instead of a rock-climbing harness. They are more expensive but WAY more comfortable to sit in (for hours if needed) while working - rock-climbing harnesses become very uncomfortable very quickly, and then you might start getting impatient and making mistakes. Also, plan for the project to take 3x as long as you think! (bathroom trip first? do you have comfortable weather-appropriate clothing and footwear? suncream?)
Thank you! I been looking for a reasonable and safe way to solo climb my mast and this looks like the best solution I've seen. I'd double up on the carabiner as one additional safety measure, but that's just me :)
Interesting, never seen a second prusik attached to a safety line. Something to practice when I can get to the boat. I'm happy on rock and ice, but these thin masts are something else.
Hi, very interesting video. I do it a slightly different way. English is not my mother language but I'll try to explain. I have a safety line, same as you have, but with loops in it every 70cm or about. I send it at the top and secure it like you do. Then I have two straps on the harness with karabiners, about the same as we use on a "via ferrata", and I fasten and unfasten that alternatively (like on a "via ferrata", always two karabiners in place), I also use prussik knots, same as you, I tried mountain "self blocking" (don't know the name), but I found it to complicated to use.
This sounds good (As long as the safety line is secured using climbing gear, rather than sailing shackles, which I’m sure it is in your case). Rossella and I did a via ferrata above Lake Garda many years ago. Rossella got scared (it was very exposed) but she pushed through the fear and finished it. I’m still really proud of her for that years down the line. Safe climbing! Chris 👍
I have TopClimber kit for 250eur. I'd say it's not well designed. It's better to use a proper climbing harness and either proosik knots or acenders (80eur each).
Excellent video Chris. I've always hated going up the mast. I'm not afraid of heights in the least, but getting swung about at the top of the mast can be terrifying. Do you have an opinion about different style harnesses? I was told a chest harness is the way to go, but almost everyone I see climbing a mast uses a harness with a waist attachment point. It's unlikely I'll ever be able to climb a mast again, but I'll share the info with my first mate. 😁
Hi Jacobus, thank you. :-) There are lots of different types of harnesses and boatswain's / bosun's chairs out there which could be used in a system like this and it's really down to personal preference. I went for a small & cheap climbing harness from Decathlon A) Because they are a reputable seller. B) Because they have a click & collect service and I was able to pick up the harness from an Asda which was 5 minutes walk from the boat. C) I fancy going climbing one day when we're cruising. Goodness knows when I'll have the time, but sooner or later! I hope you and your son are well and your plans for your new adventures are moving forward nicely! Cheers, Chris 👍
Another option is climb it like a tree. Take the end of a halyard line and tie it to your saddle. Then Take the other end, and tie a prussex in the middle of it where that line hits the deck at. Now you just slide that up as you climb
Hi there, there are no steps on this boat (I fabricated and fitted mast steps to our previous boat, which is what you may have seen: th-cam.com/video/S_hD4dJGUgM/w-d-xo.html). If you do have mast steps then you can use the same process without using a foot loop. Cheers, Chris
On top of the equipment you described here I have an other gear from the mountain climbers / fire fighters tool box. A wire ladder, which I rig from the mast step all the way up to the top. Makes the climbing prosess some what faster I think. For safety I still use my wife, but good tips here if I some time want to climb alone!
Isn't it crazy that suspension syndrome can kill and yet I have never seen a warning about this on any climbing harness. A warning label could be easily added to every harness at manufacture... Cheers, Chris
PS, do you have a go to place for your climbing harness etc gear or someplace you are affiliated to as i would love to buy some gear and see you get the kickback commissions for your hard work on here? Thanks
Hi Daniel, thank you mate, safe climbing! We have no affiliation with any climbing gear companies but thank you very much for the thought. If you are in Europe Decathlon have good gear, if you are somewhere else then try any climbing gear shop and you should get everything you need for not a lot of money. Take care! Cheers, Chris 👍
Chris, what is the knot at the other end ? to close the circle . This is the first time I have come across a Prusik loop and looks very useful. Many thanks ..
Hi David, a prusik loop is made by tying a double fisherman’s knot (or a double fisherman’s bend) in a length of line. Here is a link showing how a prusik is tied, which also shows the double fisherman’s knot linked in the same article. Http://www.animatedknots.com/prusik-knot I personally use a pre made and certified climbing prusik loop for my main line. Stay safe... Cheers, Chris 👍
Thanks for this, I have been preparing for my own solo mast ascents. I like your simple Prussic system; though I somehow feel better with metal climbing gear. I have gone for a prussic on a safety line (topping lift), a climbing rope attached to the end of the main halyard using a carabiner, a climbing helmet, a safety harness with high chest attachment point and bosun’s chair, a ‘Camp Jummar’ ascender and below that on the climbing rope a ‘Camp Druid’ descender/ascender with a second leg loop; I think I should be able to walk up with two leg loops. An advantage of the Druid should be that I can abseil down easily (after removing the Jummar). A sling around the mast and tight climbing rope for minimizing swing. I’ll take a phone and a knife etc. This gear was pricey. I’m 62 years old and want to make it not too physical- nearly all on the legs. I used to climb and have confidence at height. Maybe in time I will leave the metal in the locker and keep it more simple with the prussics. I like the risk assessment step, as I do sometimes jump into things. I have used that in my work but only intuitively on my boat. As well as the rope loop opening a non-screw gate carabiner I have seen those non-screw gates twist out of shape and open under load; plus one can open it by mistake by rubbing against it. If using a second carabiner for the safety line one could place it in the opposite direction to the first carabiner.
Hi Chris.....if the primary system completely failed then you would be left suspended on safety line. All your weight would be on prusik and probably jam. So how would you release this tension.? I've tried this and can't get prussic released....remembering the jolt that would be put on prussic.
It's extremely unlikely that the backup would ever come into play, but if you want to be covered for a self rescue after a failure which leaves you suspended on the safety line then you need to clip on an extra karabiner with a spare prussic loop and leg line to your harness. If you ever need this then you unclip the karabiner, put the prussic on above the harness prussic, clip on the leg loop and then you can descend as before. It's basically just the same as a crevasse-self rescue procedure. Best regards, Chris 👍
@@SailingBritaly yes. Don't get me wrong. I like your videos. But in this video you are sharing some good stuff about something that not many sailors talk much about. Thanks
@@creatingmemorieswithmike4617 Hi Mike, I took your comment as a compliment, I just felt a bit guilty for Rossella & Emma as they are the real stars of this channel but unfortunately they weren't with me when I filmed this video! Cheers, Chris :-) 👍
Thanks for the reply problem was I did watch all the safety part And I’ve been up heaps of mast tall ones but someone has always winched me up I was interested because the mast I need to get up is only 10 Meters and I have no one to winch me etc etc So was really interested for awhile
Really like the risk assessment as well as this prusik knot method. Also enjoyed the scenery as I know the area what with my yacht being at Medway Yacht Club! I have a question, is the carabiner necessary? Can't the loops just go through the harness loop directly? Cheers. Dean
Hi Dean, thank you and hello to MYC. 😊 You could go through the harness loop directly, but getting 'on' and 'off' the halyards then becomes a challenge as the main harness prusik loop I was using is an endless loop - which can't be untied. I have trusted locking climbing carabiners with my life for years so am comfortable with clipping in and out of this. It's rated at 22 kN, so would literally be able to hold the weight of a medium-sized car. The addition of this carabiner means that you can attach or detach multiple prusik loops in a couple of seconds, allowing you to get ready to climb, or release yourself from the mast quickly and easily. As long as you are diligent in making sure the carabiner gate is always screwed close while you climb, it is a very safe part of the system. Some people climb masts using stainless steel snap shackles, which are not designed or certified for holding a person. I would never do that, but a proper certified climbing carabiner is very safe when used as intended. Cheers, Chris 👍
For the first time in 35 years now on my own boat went up the mast twice lately and moving towards doing it solo. Love the simplicity without excess equipment. Looking forward to adding your method to my evolving ways. On my first trip up hauled up by two guys I discovered my back up block at the top of mast had split so hugging mast was lowered down with the need for utmost caution instilled in me. On the second trip up had a bosons chair and a rope harness to my safety backup. I was pulled up but had a safety prussic lines around the mast. When I got to spreaders and then lower stays I added another prussic above and connected before disconnecting and leaving the prussic behind for the trip down. At the top while working I added a second connection to the mast which in combination left me feeling very secure while I did my work. I need to go see your other video on going up the mast to get ideas for step up prussic. I like how you throughly test the prussic on the topping lift.
better use mechanical ascenders. Prussik knots tend to get very tight and it's difficult to move up OR down. good quality ascenders are only 30-40$ on amazon these days
Good video Chris, I like your thinking and methology. Ive tried this method before but I swing around too much and legs tend to go out infront of me rather than up. Any idea what I might be doing wrong?
Tightening the halyard before you start should help both of these things. I was swinging in this video too doing the demo as I had to have the halyard loose to get in front of the camera. If you look at the timelapse when I climb to the masthead with the halyard tight, there is no swinging. Also, like any kind of climbing, the more work you can do with your legs, the better. Cheers, Chris 👍
Hi, Great video but I did notice one safety issue. You had the carabiner through the belay loop on the climbing harness. This is not correct and should be passed through the webbing tie-in loops on the harness itself. Usually the same way the belay loop is passed through, a leg tie-in loop and waist tie-in loop. Pass the carabiner through both loops. I’m saying this from my training as a qualified BMC climbing instructor.
Hi Jay, thank you for your comment and I appreciate your experience in the field. I had someone else bring this up, so here is the reply to the previous comment copied & pasted: "Hi there, thank you for your input. I did consider this (I'm a climber too) but after digging into this specific subject before I made this video, I found that the manufacturer of this harness clearly states that the bright orange loop is the only attachment point to be used. www.simond.fr/sites/simond/files/12250simondnotice_easy_2015_hd_0.pdf?_ga=2.171913440.1974815396.1573404951-418478798.1573404951 I know this is an often debated issue, but I decided that the company who makes this piece of equipment and has had it tested in accordance with CE, EN 12277 and UIAA standards, are in a better position to determine where I should clip in than I am as an end user. You are absolutely right to raise the point though, and I appreciate your willingness to help." You will have lots more experience than I do so I may, of course, be wrong about this, but according to the document above the attachment point I used was the correct one for this harness.
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Hi guys, thank you for watching! Subscribe and hit the 🔔 if you haven't already ➜ bit.ly/Subscribe⛵
📖 Be the first in line to receive our Financial Freedom PDF e-book, which explains exactly how we have been able to arrange our life so that we can go cruising, and how YOU can do this too! ➜ bit.ly/FinancialFreedomPDF
Fair winds!
Chris, Rossella & Emma 😊
P.S. If climbing a mast this way doesn't float your boat, here is another helpful video of ours where explain how I manufactured and fitted mast steps to our previous boat for less than $100! ➜ th-cam.com/video/S_hD4dJGUgM/w-d-xo.html
Great video.
I have used this method of going up my mast several times and have a couple of observations which may be useful to people wishing to attempt it.
1. As you mentioned try descending before you go too high. Using older halyards, especially braided line can be an issue. I have had several occasions where the outer sleeve bunches up as the knot slides down the line. With older line the sleeve seems to be "milked" down the core even with the halyard pulled tight. When it gets bunched up enough this will stop your knot from sliding down further. Its simple to work around, you just take the strain of the jammed knot and loosen it, sliding it past the bunched up outer sleeve, but the first time it happens can cause a bit of panic.
2. You can release the knot some and have it slide by pulling up on it. This will allow you to slide down the halyard rather than 'walk" down it. However I do NOT recommend you do this as significant heat will be generated between the knot and the halyard - potentially sufficient to melt the thinner line.
3. As an older sailor (never thought I would refer to myself that way - but at 60 I find I need to think that way more than I used to) Climbing the mast this way is quite a work out - even being able to pause as you ascend and descend. Your legs do get a lot of exercise! Surprisingly to - your arms , which are not doing significant work, will be tired when you finish. I put this down to hanging on tighter than you realize the first few trips up the mast. Before going up the mast I suggest you try partial assents first. There is nothing worse than getting a long way off the deck and finding you don't have the leg strength to come down. Coming down is ALMOST as much work as going up, in part because you have less strength left in your legs.
Something that I have thought about, but think that mast steps of some kind plus a friction loop might be easier for someone of my advanced years.
I'm 72 and not a sailor. But seeing a lot of YT sailing video's I came to one conclusion: sailing is a physical demanding activity, especially the ocean sailing one. You have to be in top condition, physically and mentally.
Spot on Chris, Hazard, Likelihood, Severity, Risk! We have a blank draft RS on board for all tasks to review. Best for new crew and visitors. From when I used to abseil, and climb (some times upto 50 stories,) we used the cam cleat; on our topping lift and hoist on the main through the clutch to the st winch. Also tie off tools from the bag. Great video addressing the things many others just do not think about. We should do a collaboration video on RA for gas, fuel, fire etc. Both thinking the same way.... Sail safe, best wishes to you all Ant, Cid & the Pooch crew. xx
CheersAnt & Cid, hopefully we'll get to share an anchorage one day! :-) Cheers, Chris 👍
I use the same technique, but with some differences. I use a small piece of rope around the mast, specially if is windy or someone could make waves around me. This line should be tied to the harness loop, not to the carabiner and you will need to untied when you reach the spreaders.
The other difference is, I have a rope loop about 2 foot long from the harness to the carabiner, in this way the carabiner is always close to your eyes and I can avoid snags it with my clothes or something else and accidentally open it. I implement this after found the screw gate loosen
Being able to get yourself up there unassisted is so important. Good job!
Cheers guys! 👍
Hi Chris,
I usually have a 2nd halyard connected to a different harness. I use a bosun chair for the primary halyard and a vest harness (the kind you'd use on heavy weather sailing to tether yourself to the boat) connected to the secondary.
This way you have 2 independent systems holding you safe.
Thanks for showing us a way to climb unassisted.
Fair winds, C
Cheers Carlos 👍
as a novice idiot sailor on a spiritual saga, this DOES seem to be the easiest, most trustworthy way to dangle. Thank you for explaining it so well. inspirational
Thank you for the feedback and fair winds! God bless, Chris
This was an awesome presentation! Like many people (probably), I've never even heard of suspension trauma, so thank you so much for exposing me to that, and additional thanks for the Prusik knot idea--your mountaineering really came in handy there. Great job.
Thank you Fred, I’m glad you found this useful! Chris 👍
@@SailingBritaly, you're welcome--really well done and helpful.
Great video, well thought out, straight forward and succinct. One issue that could be improved is that with the longer prussic length, it leaves you below the masthead when you reach the top. The shorter the connection between climbing harness and your static line the easier it may be to attain shoulder level at the masthead and accomplish tasks. Perhaps a 3rd prussic above the longer upper climbing one (which may give you better climbing range going up) is to place a shorter one above it that could be used at the masthead? Looks like it has been awhile since you last posted. Hope all is well.
Showing a proper risk assessment is a *great* message. Stuff there I had not thought of but will in future.
I've watched lots of videos on mast climbing solo and this is by far the best method and explanation..Thanks.
🙏
Harness trauma and locking carabiners. So very helpful! Great model for safety planning/ risk assessment also! Thanks :-)
Chris, wow! What a great video! That carabiner tip is gold, thank you
Hi Zach! It's great to hear from you! I hope the plan is coming together for you... :-) Very best regards, Chris (plus Rossella & Emma) 😊
should always use auto-locking carabiners for your primary attachment point - not the kind you have to screw to lock (there are at least two designs)
Thank you, thank you so much Chris. I went to the mast many times but always thanks to the help of someone and a good winch. Sometimes I was alone and I was forced to give up (but I was in port and in no hurry). Your system is borrowed from mountaineering and I like it very much because I believe in the saying "... who does it himself does it for three ..."
My pleasure Mauro, it’s always good to have the option to be independent and not have to rely on others. Un abbraccio, Chris 👍
I love the redundancy measures whilst keeping it simple, well done mate
Thanks mate. 👍
Great video, a a cheap way of ascending and descending a mast, I bought a product called "Top climber" this gives you a bench seat to sit on and the process is very similar in action, I backup to an additional line with a prusikk Knot to a spare line in the event of failure.
Cheers Paul
Once again a brilliant idea, that should have been obvious but just isn't. I was a climber (in my youth) and this just makes so much sense. When I buy my next boat (I don't have one at the moment) I will definitely use this method to climb the mast. Thank you Chris :)
Cheers Jeffrey :-) 👍
I’m going to throw my 2 cents in.
Prusik lines give you control instead of handing your life over to someone else. I have never used this method but it’s very intuitive once you see it.
I would, however, like to have a someone doing gentle line feed adjustments using a clutch or two on the deck and a few wraps around a winch. They can stage the line from one clutch and to the winch ( in the middle) and then feed or take it with the other clutch.
Clear and focused communication is crucial so each party knows what the other is doing and wants to do or will do next.
Chris, this is great and solves a problem that i have generally being on my own on the boat. I'm going to give it a go once she is back in the water after winter and just do baby steps first to practice. One thing that I can't quite see in the video is where you secure the head end of your main halyard. Cheers.
This video may even save a few lives out there
If it helps one person avoid injury then it was worth my time making it. Fingers crossed.
This is the textbook crevasse self rescue technique. Well done!
🙏
I have used the main sheet block system to pull myself up the mast, I used the prusik knot on separate line as a safety backup. This worked well and was not overly tiring.
Hi Dave, that can work great too, although a lot of line is required. We had a comment on Facebook from someone who used a 4:1 pulley system to climb his mast solo out on a mooring on a river. When he was up his mast the line snagged on deck and he couldn't lower himself down to free it. A person passing on an SUP came and helped out avoiding a more embarrassing rescue. So whichever method anyone uses to climb a mast, some time spent on deck first thinking about what might go wrong and how to deal with that is always time well spent. Cheers, Chris 👍
@@SailingBritaly Luckily I only needed to go to the spreaders so had enough line. Earlier in the summer I had to change the standing rigging with the mast up and on the mooring. I did get help with that one!!
If you ever head North (West Coast Scotland) give me a shout.
Dave Liley Chees Dave, replacing the rigging on a mooring: sounds like my kind of job! 👍 The West Coast of Scotland must be a stunning place to sail. I’ve seen some gorgeous places up there over the years (Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides was very special) but I’ve never sailed there yet. Enjoy! Chris 🙂
Chris you mentioned you had gone mountain climbing. So a blending of two skills. Hi Emma, Hi Rossella safe travel you three.
Hi Tom, I love anything outdoors and have been involved in lots of different adventurous activities. These kind of things teach you a lot and many of the skills are transferable into other things in life. I just gave Emma a kiss and told her it was from you. :-) Cheers, Chris 👍
Really interesting. I tried and it's working perfect for me. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Can you provide a view of how you tied off your feet that allows you to stand and take a strain on the prusik knot?
Hi Earl, the foot loop is really simple. It is an O shaped climbing sling with a prusik at the top. I just stood with my foot at the bottom of the loop. Cheers, Chris 👍
Seriously impressed with your risk assessment, never seen this before. Much enjoying your videos!
Thank you very much Frank, enjoy the rest of our videos! 🙏
How about using what we used to call Jumars ie. ascenders. There are various forms made by different manufacturers such as Petzl. Obviously they are much more expensive but very user friendly without any tendency to 'bind'? This is an excellent presenration.
Great video and technique. Thanks for sharing
Simple and safe. Good instruction, thanks
🙏
Yup - mountaineering 401 / self-belay (not the basic101 -> 401 - well thought thro'😎)! I'm on it (steaming light's burnt out - time to go up.) TnX!!
Glad you have done a JSA before start your work,
Brilliant video. Thanks so much for this. What line were you using for the Prussik knots?
Thank you! I used a “Simond Prusik Loop“ from Decathlon. Cheers, Chris 👍
Thank you! I am just learning as a solo sailor on my tiny boat.
I have a deck mast step and am concerned with it's stability as I climb.
Shalom
🌴🌎😊⛵️🙏🏼💕🎶
Great video as always. I am going to look into this further. It looks a good and safe way of climbing a mast. Thanks Steve
Cheers Steve 👍
thank you for this inspiring idea
Great information young man, appreciate greatly. Good luck in this crazy life that we are all experiencing .
if you use silicon lubication in the luff groove dont get any on your hands or the rope or it will slip. I have done this !!!
Also it is worth if you are not single handed having enough length in both ropes so you can be lowered down if you cant get down for some reason. Other wise someone will have to go up and get you !!
great video thanks
Thanks for the tips Duncan. Cheers, Chris 👍
This is absolutely brilliant. I got to go up the mast on our boat soon and I can say I’m not looking forward to it
Take your time and and think about everything before you leave the deck. Problem solving becomes more difficult once you get to the masthead. 😊 Cheers, Chris
Just found your videos mate, pure gold, well done.
Thank you very much! 🙏
Thanks for this video gave me the courage to do it.
Just climbed the 20meter mast of my sailboat safe and sound.
Quite the workout tho
Congratulations Sebastiaan, I'm glad you succeeded safely. 20 metres seem like a lot more when you're up there... 🙂 Best regards, Chris
Very through risk assessment. Keep up the great work.
Your risk assesment was very inspiring. Im a CE marking consultant (as well as a sail boat owner). I hope you will allow me to show your video as an inspiration for colleagues.
Thank you Peter, I’d love you to share this video. Best regards, Chris
Great explanation. Totally agree with you on controlling our own safety. I hate the idea of using a winch and relying on somebody else.
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Awsome! Chris! The risk assessment, the carabiner... so many useful tips proven by experience. Thanks a heap
Glad it was helpful Garrett! Chris 👍
Brilliant explanation Chris. So how come no mast steps on this one. Was it because it affected the handling too much?
🌟 Hi Vince! I know you will have seen our "DIY Mast Steps: Made and Fitted for Less Than $100" video, but for the sake of other viewers who haven't, here is the link: th-cam.com/video/S_hD4dJGUgM/w-d-xo.html
I cover the cons of mast steps in that video, but in addition to the ones listed there, there are a couple of others:
1) It would be one more job for me to do. We are really struggling at the moment to stay on top of all the things we are doing in life and the boat jobs have to be pared down to what is essential for us to do in the coming months. I can get to the masthead without the steps, so they are't essential.
2) I have fitted a spare mainsail halyard which is routed internally in the mast, and I have also replaced the mainsail halyard with brand new line, so I now have two very safe lines upon which to climb all the way to the top of the mast.
I do miss the mast steps, but life is all about priorities for us these days and we have to choose what we do with our time very carefully. Thank you for supporting us on Patreon, thereby allowing us to continue making videos like this!
Very best regards,
Chris (plus Rossella & Emma) 😊
Thanks for very nice video! This video made theory in practise very nice way, risk analysis, and it was reason to subscribe.
But one important point of DIY videos is to show how it is done! It looks like you cut it way at 8:45. I propose to do it even few times.
Brilliant mate, need to get up my old cat's mast soon and this has really inspired me. 😁
Prusikknotch is a good safe knot, we used it all the way climbing and descending rocks
👍
Great video. Thanks for sharing. Makes sense to know how to do this on your own b/c it's always a possibility that you'll have to do it solo, yep.
Thank you Victoria 👍
Thanks for that! More knowledge for me to take along on my sailing adventures. You rock!
Cheers! 👍
At the end of the day if you take H&S to the limit you don’t get out of bed in the morning, so hell to it get up and do the job. By the way try going up to the top in a gale rolling 45 degrees to free a jammed main sail now that was fun in the Indian Ocean I remember.
What a great video. When you started on about a risk assessment my eyes glazed as I assumed it would be technical and beyond. But I really got hooked as I realised how straightforward it is to identify each aspect of the task and mitigate the risks. No hard hat? What do I know? Thanks for a well explained video.
Cheers Mark, it only takes a couple of minutes and could save someone's life. Thank you for the feedback! Cheers, Chris 👍
Brilliant! I will practice with this method for sure.
Cheers Carl, stay safe! 👍
Nice job. That is the best way. Do it yourself.
Thank you John 👍
Good video - the written risk assessment was a great idea. The is a very important topic for people who do not have permanent steps.
I use a system based on cavers' ascender/descender equipment and arborist's tree-climbing equipment (a GriGri is the center of the system, with a Petzl ascender and foot-loops) - I haul a sacrificial 10mm rock-climbing line up on the halyard (attached by bowline) so the main halyard isn't damaged by the ascender.
A few suggestions for added safety:
... wear a helmet and fingerless gloves if not anchored or in a marina slip ; use a harness that will not let you fall out if you go upside down (e.g., if main climbing line parts); if you don't have a spotter below, take your cell phone so you can call for help if you get stuck or injured; don't let anyone stand/sit directly below you (danger from falling tools) - a spotter can send up tools/parts you forgot to take (or which you dropped) if you bring a light mast-length line up with you; use a 3rd level of fall protection - i.e., an adjustable loop around the mast (a 'lanyard' - like tree-climbers and linemen use) - you'll only fall to the next spreaders down, and it'll limit your lateral swing as the mast swings.
A very important part of the climb is thorough planning of what tasks you'll do, and the tools & parts needed. Do a thorough safety check (especially if you haven't been up for a while), and don't plan to do too much during one ascent.
Final thought for those putting together a solo climbing system ... consider getting a tree-climbing harness (or a professional rigging harness) instead of a rock-climbing harness. They are more expensive but WAY more comfortable to sit in (for hours if needed) while working - rock-climbing harnesses become very uncomfortable very quickly, and then you might start getting impatient and making mistakes. Also, plan for the project to take 3x as long as you think! (bathroom trip first? do you have comfortable weather-appropriate clothing and footwear? suncream?)
Cheers Neil :-)
Wow, thank you.
A great video. Thanks for all the really useful information.
My pleasure Richard, subscribe for more! Chris 👍
Thank you! I been looking for a reasonable and safe way to solo climb my mast and this looks like the best solution I've seen. I'd double up on the carabiner as one additional safety measure, but that's just me :)
👍
Interesting, never seen a second prusik attached to a safety line. Something to practice when I can get to the boat. I'm happy on rock and ice, but these thin masts are something else.
Hi, very interesting video. I do it a slightly different way. English is not my mother language but I'll try to explain. I have a safety line, same as you have, but with loops in it every 70cm or about. I send it at the top and secure it like you do. Then I have two straps on the harness with karabiners, about the same as we use on a "via ferrata", and I fasten and unfasten that alternatively (like on a "via ferrata", always two karabiners in place), I also use prussik knots, same as you, I tried mountain "self blocking" (don't know the name), but I found it to complicated to use.
This sounds good (As long as the safety line is secured using climbing gear, rather than sailing shackles, which I’m sure it is in your case). Rossella and I did a via ferrata above Lake Garda many years ago. Rossella got scared (it was very exposed) but she pushed through the fear and finished it. I’m still really proud of her for that years down the line. Safe climbing! Chris 👍
I have TopClimber kit for 250eur. I'd say it's not well designed. It's better to use a proper climbing harness and either proosik knots or acenders (80eur each).
What a great explanation not going to be trying that anytime soon but brilliantly executed thanks
Thank you! 👍
Excellent video Chris. I've always hated going up the mast. I'm not afraid of heights in the least, but getting swung about at the top of the mast can be terrifying. Do you have an opinion about different style harnesses? I was told a chest harness is the way to go, but almost everyone I see climbing a mast uses a harness with a waist attachment point. It's unlikely I'll ever be able to climb a mast again, but I'll share the info with my first mate. 😁
Hi Jacobus, thank you. :-) There are lots of different types of harnesses and boatswain's / bosun's chairs out there which could be used in a system like this and it's really down to personal preference. I went for a small & cheap climbing harness from Decathlon A) Because they are a reputable seller. B) Because they have a click & collect service and I was able to pick up the harness from an Asda which was 5 minutes walk from the boat. C) I fancy going climbing one day when we're cruising. Goodness knows when I'll have the time, but sooner or later! I hope you and your son are well and your plans for your new adventures are moving forward nicely! Cheers, Chris 👍
Great video, it may prolong somebody's life.
If it helps one person avoid an injury I'll be a very happy man. Cheers, Chris 👍
Another option is climb it like a tree. Take the end of a halyard line and tie it to your saddle. Then Take the other end, and tie a prussex in the middle of it where that line hits the deck at. Now you just slide that up as you climb
Dreat video thank you. If you have foot-holds up the mast (as I see you have added in your later videos), does that just replace the foot rope? Thanks
Hi there, there are no steps on this boat (I fabricated and fitted mast steps to our previous boat, which is what you may have seen: th-cam.com/video/S_hD4dJGUgM/w-d-xo.html). If you do have mast steps then you can use the same process without using a foot loop. Cheers, Chris
On top of the equipment you described here I have an other gear from the mountain climbers / fire fighters tool box. A wire ladder, which I rig from the mast step all the way up to the top. Makes the climbing prosess some what faster I think. For safety I still use my wife, but good tips here if I some time want to climb alone!
Excellent tip, but I expect no less from you Captain! Cheers, Chris 👍
@@SailingBritaly Just to let you know I subscribe professionals only... ;-)
Mountinairing gear works well
Thank you Chris. I'd never heard of Suspension Syncope. One to know about.
Isn't it crazy that suspension syndrome can kill and yet I have never seen a warning about this on any climbing harness. A warning label could be easily added to every harness at manufacture... Cheers, Chris
Hi Chris. Great videos posted recently, loving the hook to get the line easy a shore. Will be a Patreon again soon :)
Nice one Steve 👍
I've had the fun of going up the mast on a windy day to clear a halyard at the top during a race. Pucker factor was definitely up. LOL
My mast ascensions are nearly identical except I use the knot on my safety line and ascenders on my primary line.
Brilliant...thanks so much for sharing
My pleasure 👍
Great video mate, going to practice this method, thank you for sharing as always. Cheers, dan.
PS, do you have a go to place for your climbing harness etc gear or someplace you are affiliated to as i would love to buy some gear and see you get the kickback commissions for your hard work on here? Thanks
Hi Daniel, thank you mate, safe climbing! We have no affiliation with any climbing gear companies but thank you very much for the thought. If you are in Europe Decathlon have good gear, if you are somewhere else then try any climbing gear shop and you should get everything you need for not a lot of money. Take care! Cheers, Chris 👍
Chris, what is the knot at the other end ? to close the circle . This is the first time I have come across a Prusik loop and looks very useful. Many thanks ..
Hi David, a prusik loop is made by tying a double fisherman’s knot (or a double fisherman’s bend) in a length of line. Here is a link showing how a prusik is tied, which also shows the double fisherman’s knot linked in the same article. Http://www.animatedknots.com/prusik-knot I personally use a pre made and certified climbing prusik loop for my main line. Stay safe... Cheers, Chris 👍
Thanks for this, I have been preparing for my own solo mast ascents. I like your simple Prussic system; though I somehow feel better with metal climbing gear.
I have gone for a prussic on a safety line (topping lift), a climbing rope attached to the end of the main halyard using a carabiner, a climbing helmet, a safety harness with high chest attachment point and bosun’s chair, a ‘Camp Jummar’ ascender and below that on the climbing rope a ‘Camp Druid’ descender/ascender with a second leg loop; I think I should be able to walk up with two leg loops. An advantage of the Druid should be that I can abseil down easily (after removing the Jummar). A sling around the mast and tight climbing rope for minimizing swing. I’ll take a phone and a knife etc.
This gear was pricey. I’m 62 years old and want to make it not too physical- nearly all on the legs. I used to climb and have confidence at height. Maybe in time I will leave the metal in the locker and keep it more simple with the prussics.
I like the risk assessment step, as I do sometimes jump into things. I have used that in my work but only intuitively on my boat.
As well as the rope loop opening a non-screw gate carabiner I have seen those non-screw gates twist out of shape and open under load; plus one can open it by mistake by rubbing against it. If using a second carabiner for the safety line one could place it in the opposite direction to the first carabiner.
this is THE ultimate technic :)
We use it to climb the trees (with chainsaw)
Good job :)
Thank you! 👍
Hi Chris.....if the primary system completely failed then you would be left suspended on safety line. All your weight would be on prusik and probably jam. So how would you release this tension.? I've tried this and can't get prussic released....remembering the jolt that would be put on prussic.
It's extremely unlikely that the backup would ever come into play, but if you want to be covered for a self rescue after a failure which leaves you suspended on the safety line then you need to clip on an extra karabiner with a spare prussic loop and leg line to your harness. If you ever need this then you unclip the karabiner, put the prussic on above the harness prussic, clip on the leg loop and then you can descend as before. It's basically just the same as a crevasse-self rescue procedure. Best regards, Chris 👍
thank you very much for posting. -> VERY INTERESTING AND USEFUL ;-)
My pleasure Niklas 😊👍
This is your best video. Thanks 👍
Cheers Mike although I prefer the ones with Rossella & Emma :-)
@@SailingBritaly yes. Don't get me wrong. I like your videos. But in this video you are sharing some good stuff about something that not many sailors talk much about. Thanks
@@creatingmemorieswithmike4617 Hi Mike, I took your comment as a compliment, I just felt a bit guilty for Rossella & Emma as they are the real stars of this channel but unfortunately they weren't with me when I filmed this video! Cheers, Chris :-) 👍
Good risk assessment. But, no where near practical. Loved the video.
First ten seconds.
A nice view, absolutely terrifying!
Edit: after watching, thanks for sharing.
This is useful information.
👍
Thanks for the reply problem was I did watch all the safety part
And I’ve been up heaps of mast tall ones but someone has always winched me up
I was interested because the mast I need to get up is only 10 Meters and I have no one to winch me etc etc
So was really interested for awhile
What about rope ladder? Attach it to spin hals and sky it
Well done mate, Great advice as always.
Cheers Stuart 👍
Chris, thanks for the thorough lesson! Cheers!
Cheers Joel :-)
Well done Chris...
Cheers mate 👍
Really like the risk assessment as well as this prusik knot method. Also enjoyed the scenery as I know the area what with my yacht being at Medway Yacht Club! I have a question, is the carabiner necessary? Can't the loops just go through the harness loop directly? Cheers. Dean
Hi Dean, thank you and hello to MYC. 😊 You could go through the harness loop directly, but getting 'on' and 'off' the halyards then becomes a challenge as the main harness prusik loop I was using is an endless loop - which can't be untied. I have trusted locking climbing carabiners with my life for years so am comfortable with clipping in and out of this. It's rated at 22 kN, so would literally be able to hold the weight of a medium-sized car. The addition of this carabiner means that you can attach or detach multiple prusik loops in a couple of seconds, allowing you to get ready to climb, or release yourself from the mast quickly and easily. As long as you are diligent in making sure the carabiner gate is always screwed close while you climb, it is a very safe part of the system. Some people climb masts using stainless steel snap shackles, which are not designed or certified for holding a person. I would never do that, but a proper certified climbing carabiner is very safe when used as intended. Cheers, Chris 👍
Sailing Britaly very clear explanation Chris. Thank you.
For the first time in 35 years now on my own boat went up the mast twice lately and moving towards doing it solo. Love the simplicity without excess equipment. Looking forward to adding your method to my evolving ways.
On my first trip up hauled up by two guys I discovered my back up block at the top of mast had split so hugging mast was lowered down with the need for utmost caution instilled in me. On the second trip up had a bosons chair and a rope harness to my safety backup. I was pulled up but had a safety prussic lines around the mast. When I got to spreaders and then lower stays I added another prussic above and connected before disconnecting and leaving the prussic behind for the trip down. At the top while working I added a second connection to the mast which in combination left me feeling very secure while I did my work.
I need to go see your other video on going up the mast to get ideas for step up prussic. I like how you throughly test the prussic on the topping lift.
better use mechanical ascenders. Prussik knots tend to get very tight and it's difficult to move up OR down. good quality ascenders are only 30-40$ on amazon these days
can this be used on a dyneema halyard where the sleeve has been removed up to about 2o0 feet?
What is the view of using ascenders instead of prusick knot?
I've been hoisted up the mast before, and never felt safe. This feels a lot safer!
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as usual chris , excellent video ,,,,,, i do know of this method , i just hate hights !!
Thank you Roderick 👍
Smart guy 🙂
Good video Chris, I like your thinking and methology. Ive tried this method before but I swing around too much and legs tend to go out infront of me rather than up. Any idea what I might be doing wrong?
Tightening the halyard before you start should help both of these things. I was swinging in this video too doing the demo as I had to have the halyard loose to get in front of the camera. If you look at the timelapse when I climb to the masthead with the halyard tight, there is no swinging. Also, like any kind of climbing, the more work you can do with your legs, the better. Cheers, Chris 👍
Hi,
Great video but I did notice one safety issue. You had the carabiner through the belay loop on the climbing harness. This is not correct and should be passed through the webbing tie-in loops on the harness itself. Usually the same way the belay loop is passed through, a leg tie-in loop and waist tie-in loop. Pass the carabiner through both loops.
I’m saying this from my training as a qualified BMC climbing instructor.
Hi Jay, thank you for your comment and I appreciate your experience in the field. I had someone else bring this up, so here is the reply to the previous comment copied & pasted:
"Hi there, thank you for your input. I did consider this (I'm a climber too) but after digging into this specific subject before I made this video, I found that the manufacturer of this harness clearly states that the bright orange loop is the only attachment point to be used. www.simond.fr/sites/simond/files/12250simondnotice_easy_2015_hd_0.pdf?_ga=2.171913440.1974815396.1573404951-418478798.1573404951
I know this is an often debated issue, but I decided that the company who makes this piece of equipment and has had it tested in accordance with CE, EN 12277 and UIAA standards, are in a better position to determine where I should clip in than I am as an end user. You are absolutely right to raise the point though, and I appreciate your willingness to help."
You will have lots more experience than I do so I may, of course, be wrong about this, but according to the document above the attachment point I used was the correct one for this harness.
spot on
Cheers John 👍
RA!! Excelent!!
:-)
Great method
Cheers Gus 👍
Eye splice has been proven to be stronger than any knot you can make.