Gear for going aloft
Well-chosen gear that will keep you safe and comfortable
HELMETS
A helmet is never a bad idea for going aloft
when alongside or at anchor, but it is a must
in any kind of seaway as one wave swinging
you into the rigging could cause
serious injury. Lightweight climbing
or kayaking models that also protect
the side of the head are ideal but a
bike helmet will also do. Ensure the
chinstrap is short and any excess is tucked in to
prevent it getting caught in anything whilst aloft.
Available for under £25, a helmet is a worthwhile
part of your boat’s kit.MAST LADDER
One popular addition amongst shorthanded
cruisers to their mast-climbing kit is a ladder.
Available in various forms, they
are particularly helpful in taking
the strain out of getting someone
aloft, allowing the crewmember
going up the mast to gain purchase themselves
(see YM, April 2015).ASCENDER
Ascenders are an alternative method of climbing
a single rope. Ideal for singlehanded yachtsmen,
they can also be used
in tandem. This is a useful bit of
emergency kit that can also be
connected to your second line
to provide a safety line that isn't
dependent on the crew on deckTHINGS TO AVOID GOING ALOFT
- Never use a halyard that’s routed through
an external block running outside the mast - Avoid old halyards and those showing any
sign of chafing or wear - Shackles or quick-release karabiners
should not be used. Always tie directly
into the harness or bonsun’s chair to
ensure there is one less point of failure - Never go aloft in a harness that doesn’t
sit tight above your hips
BOSUN’S CHAIR OR HARNESS?
The traditional piece of kit to haul someone aloft
is a bosun’s chair. Most designs have a central tie
point that’s in line with the sternum when loaded.
Chairs are generally more comfortable than their
harness counterparts, due to how they spread
the load and the more relaxed seating position,
ideal when you’re embarking on a big job up
the mast that will keep you there for a while.
The chair you buy should be purpose built
for use on yachts and deep enough in the seat
to ensure you feel safe and comfortable. The
work you are doing up the mast shouldn’t take
you out of the seat as, unlike a climbing harness,
a bosun’s chair won’t keep you secure if you end
up inverted; most designs rely on the user’s
weight to be safe. If you are going to take your
own weight out of the seat aloft, on a mast step
or spreaders for example, be sure to use a
harness. Chairs vary in design and suit different
body shapes – be sure to try before you buy.
A pocket for tools, preferably with a flap
to keep contents secure, is very useful. Any
items you put in trouser pockets will probably
be hard to access once in the seat, whilst
drawing anything from a pocket that’s not
vertically opening is asking for the item to be
dropped. For larger items, attach a bucket on a
rope, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with the lines
holding you aloft. Anything dangerous if dropped
should be secured with a lanyard, whilst heavy
loads should be supported by their own halyard.
A climbing harness is the alternative option
to a bosun’s chair, although they are less flexible
on body size and it’s crucial that the harness fits;
climbing harnesses are designed to hold the
wearer secure above the hips. Allowing more
freedom of movement in exchange for less
comfort, harnesses are ideal for going up the
mast at sea. Some professional models secure
the upper body as well and even include a seat
that can be dropped down when in position aloft.
Both harnesses and bonsun’s chairs should
be stored clean and dry to prevent degradation
of the material.PRACTICAL SEAMANSHIPMore expensive models
generally offer more
padding and pocketsHELMET
Can protect you from
serious injuryMAST-CLIMBING LADDER
Can be invaluable, taking the
strain off the crew on deckEven the most basic
bosun’s chair is more
comfortable than
a harnessCLIMBING ASCENDER
Can be used in an emergency.
Check that the model you are
using is designed for the
diameter of your halyard