## Mast and Sail Raising Tips 

## Raising the Sail (Com-Pac) 

## Posted By: Dick Herman, Sun Cat “Muddy Duck” 

fter a long, and disastrous, learning curve, I finally developed a routine for raising sail. A 

Before I leave the dock, I pin the boom gooseneck into position so the slide in the mast track is just below the split in the hinge. The photo might give you an idea as to the exact position. Then I pull the downhaul tight. 

Once clear of the dock, I head into the wind and use just enough power on the outboard to maintain way. Then I lock the tiller and go forward to raise the sail. I pull on both halyards together to raise the gaff so it stays even with the throat, and parallel with the boom. When the luff of the sail is fully raised, the gaff should be pointed straight back. Then I pull the throat halyard with both hands, feet against the bulkhead, if need be. Once the luff is tight, I raise the gaff peak the rest of the way, but not before. 

I've gotten the routine down and get the sail up in less than a minute. Sometimes, I have to reach back and give the tiller a nudge to keep the bow into the wind. 

## Posted By: Tom Galyen, Sun Cat “Merry Joy,” Champaign, IL 

## Raising the Mast(Sun Cat) 

'm a “newbie” myself, sailing my Sun Cat since May of this year. However, I do have some ideas that work for me. I have raised my mast in the water at a dock; in fact I do this most of the time. I also lower my mast at the dock before recovering the boat onto the trailer. I actually recommend this practice as you lessen the chance of hitting power lines, trees, etc. at strange ramps. I 

Things you may want to think about. 

1. I leave my sail cover on until I have the mast up. This all but eliminates the chances of the halyards catching on the boom cleats or anything else. This I think will help you the most. 

2. Make sure you remove the pin in the mast and check that the wires in the mast are clear and will not get pinched when the mast is raised. 

3. Make sure the forestay is clear and not tangled around the mast. 

4. Make sure you are standing inside the shrouds so they will come up outboard of you, and your feet are clear of them. 

5. I have one foot near the mast and am standing on the port side of the mast facing starboard (as I am right handed), I take a large step aft with my right foot and grab the mast at a comfortable distance, bracing my elbow of that arm against my knee to get extra leverage, and can raise it with that one hand while using the other to steady it and control the speed at which it comes up. 

6. I raise it slowly until I'm sure that all lines are clear and the mast is totally under control then guide it into the slot and pin it. 

7. I then kneel down and brace myself by putting my right shoulder against the mast so I can lean forward to connect the forestay. 

Whenever you go forward make sure the Cabin hatch cover is closed. It gives you more room to walk (note, it does have the “non-skid” on it, and theoretically you can walk/stand on anything that has that coating on it.), and you have less chance of accidentally trying to step into the open hatch on your way aft. 

Lowering the mast is basically the same in reverse. 

1. I first put the sail cover on. I leave the halyards outside the cover. 

2. I go forward and disconnect the forestay, and let it dangle. 

