I raise my mast solo every time I sail (I'm 68 years old). Here's how: I replaced my main halyard with one long enough to reach from the foot of the mast all the way up the mast, through the masthead, then back down to a point on the support on the trailer that holds the mast while trailering. Now I attach the bitter end of the main halyard (the end that will be attached to the head of the mainsail when raising the sail) to the support on the trailer that supports the mast while trailering and tie it off. Next I attach the shrouds on both sides of the boat, and also attach the head stay (or roller furling sail) to its attachment point on the mast. Next climb aboard and slide the mast back far enough to attach it to the cabin top and attach it using the pin, washer and clip. Once all that is done I move to about the middle of the mast and start raising it. It is important at this point to make sure the mast goes straight up, not letting it go to either side, until the mast is fully up. I then take the other end of the main halyard, pull it tight, and tie it off on one of the cleats at the bottom of the mast. At this point the mast has three attachment points and is free standing. I then climb off the boat and attach the bottom of the head stay to the front of the boat using a quick release pin. At this point I check that the mast is in fact supported in three places (two shrouds and the forstay) and if it is, the main halyard can now be untied from the trailer mast support and be brought back to the foot of the mast until I'm ready to attach the mail sail. Make sure you fully understand these instructions and that I have not left anything out. This has worked for me for a number of years, feel free to contact me direct at gregcoats1@yahoo.com, if you need any more advice.
I live in Pasadena. The Capri I bought is currently in Channel Islands Harbor. I will probably keep it at a marina in either Marina Del Rey or possibly Cabrillo. I'm heading up to Channel Islands Harbor today.I live in Oxnard. And sail in Ventura and Channel Islands Harbors.Where are you?
Greg, I actually picked up the boat yesterday (Saturday). I would have loved to have met up with you. This week was a busy one for me at work (we were actually shooting on an 85 foot auxiliary ketch for several days out of San Pedro), so I didn't have a lot of time to plan out and organize getting the boat. Hopefully we can meet up another time for a sail, Greg. Maybe we'll trailer back up to Channel Islands in the Spring or Summer sometime for a day of sailing.I live 4 miles from Channel Islands Harbor and could meet you at your new boat today. I could look it over and perhaps give you some advice on what might need replacing, we could even raise the mast. Call me at eight 0 five 607-5190. Greg
Thanks, Doug!Pixie looks great!
We decided to name her "Pixie," after our favorite goat at a friend's goat dairy ranch.