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 deck
THINGS 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
BOSUNÕS 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.