How to Raise the Mast on a Sailboat

If you're new to sailing, you'll soon realize that there is a lot to learn about this exciting yet challenging type of boating. One thing you'll have to learn is how to raise the mast on your sailboat. It may seem like an overwhelming task, but if you get organized and follow a few steps, you'll be doing it in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Another person to help you
• Sailboat
• Sailboat safety and operating instructions

Instructions

1. Free up the forestay, shrouds and anything else needed to let the mast be raised.

2. Keep shrouds attached at both ends. Re-attach them if they're disconnected, but make sure they're free and not entangled with any other part of the boat or boat equipment.

3. Make sure the mast is untied from all supports.

4. Put the mast in its "pre-raised" position. Lay it on top of the sailboat, placing the base close to the mast step on the cabin top, and the mast's top end in the aft mass carrier.

5. Join the mast to the mast foot.

6. Connect the mainsheet to the bow. Make sure you have enough line to attach the mainsheet to the boom.

7. Connect the forestay to the boom's high end.

8. Attach the mainsheet to the forestay's end.

9. Join the boom to the mast's front.

10. Double check to ensure you've freed the shrouds.

11. Make sure that everything is in place then pull to raise the mast.

Tips & Warnings

• Raising the mast on a sailboat, especially on the first few attempts, is much easier if there are at least 2 people who can do the job. Find somebody to help you out rather than attempting it on your own.

• Don't hit any power lines while raising the mast. This is dangerous and potentially fatal.

• Wait to make sure the forestay is attached before releasing forward pressure on the mast.