Yachting Monthly – March 2018

2

HALYARDS

Using two halyards is a must to ensure

the safety of the person aloft. Decide

which is the primary halyard and which

is the safety halyard. Use only halyards that are

internal to the mast, like a headsail or mainsail

halyard, as these go into the mast around 6-8ft

off the deck and exit near the top. Never use

external halyards – if the block at the masthead

fails then you’ll be freefalling on to the deck.

4

HOISTING

Hoisting the person can be tiring work.

The person aloft can assist greatly

by pulling themselves up, but care

must be taken to stay safely in the chair or

harness. Keep three turns on the winch and

a clutch closed on the primary halyard. This

halyard has their full weight on it at all times.

3

GET COMFORTABLE

Get in the chair and bounce in it just

off the deck to ensure it is comfortable

and adjusted correctly. Tie bowlines

through the lifting part of the harness. Never

rely on a shackle as this may come undone

or fail. Once you’ve done this with both

halyards, you’re set to go.

1

PREPARE TO GO ALOFT

Prepare the person going aloft. They

should have shoes rather than bare

feet, a comfortable bosun’s chair

or climbing harness, and a helmet (cycling,

skiing or kayaking) to help prevent head

injuries. Take a smartphone, so a photo

can be sent to someone on the deck if

necessary, saving a second hoist, and

put your basic tools in the pocket of the

bosun’s chair. Ideally, all loose items should

be attached by lanyards so that they can't

be dropped on to the deck.

PRACTICAL SEAMANSHIP

Ensure the person going aloft

has all they need with them