On the Verge of Catastrophe: Spontaneous Mast Lowering with a Gin Pole

Laying down the masts of a boat is often a meticulous operation requiring preparation, proper tools, and experience. For us, however, it was an entirely impromptu challenge during our journey – without preparation, without the right equipment, and with no prior experience to guide us. All we had were our technical know-how, a never seen gin pole idea, logical thinking, and a healthy dose of determination. Here’s a detailed account of how we managed this daunting task with nothing but our resourcefulness and resilience.

The decision to lay down the masts wasn’t one we had planned. It arose suddenly, leaving us no time to prepare or gather equipment. We found ourselves at a point in our journey where we had to remove the rigging without any external help, such as a crane. We were in the midst of our voyage, far from any familiar support systems, and faced with less-than-ideal conditions: no preparation, no experience, and no specialized tools. Yet, we relied on our ability to adapt and improvise.

Sawing some material for a mast support system
Found the perfect hardware shop for our adventure

The first step was to dock at the nearest quay and assess the situation. We had heard about a mast-lowering mechanism (gin pole) on board but had no idea how it functioned or if it would be sufficient for our needs. After some deliberation, it seemed logical to begin with the smaller rear mast (mizzen mast) and then proceed to the larger main mast. The rear mast, we discovered, was connected to the main mast and required careful sequencing to be lowered safely.

 

Once we decided to proceed, another question arose: where would the masts go once they were down? The deck wasn’t designed to accommodate them horizontally, especially since it housed a solar panel installation that we had to protect.

To address this, we took detailed measurements – of the roof, the deck, and the rails. Armed with these dimensions, we visited a nearby hardware store in search of materials to construct a temporary support system for the masts. To our relief, the store had everything we needed, including wooden planks, screws, and metal brackets. They even provided a saw, allowing us to cut the beams to the exact lengths we required. We returned to the boat and built a makeshift frame, checking and rechecking its alignment to ensure it would safely support the masts.

Before the masts could be lowered, we had to disconnect all associated electrical components. This turned out to be a more challenging task than we anticipated. The cables running through the deck, particularly those connecting the radar to the chart plotter, were tightly secured and had likely remained untouched for years. The connections were corroded, requiring considerable force – and even a borrowed water-pump plier – to loosen them.

 

One particular challenge was the radar cable, a complex, partly shielded 13-core wire. It wasn’t feasible to remove or rethread this cable, so we carefully created slack to allow the mast to be lowered without detaching the wire. This added an extra layer of complexity to the operation.

With the electrical connections dealt with, we turned our attention to the rear mast. This part of the operation required precision and coordination, as we were only two people managing a task that ideally requires more hands.

 

First, we removed the boom and slid the sail out of its track. Then came the shrouds and stays, which we gradually loosened to free the mast. To create enough space, we maneuvered the boat close to the jetty at the stern while keeping the bow at a safe distance. This positioning allowed the mast to rest on the jetty instead of directing it falling into the water.

 

Lowering the rear mast involved multiple attempts. Balancing its weight and maintaining control was tricky, especially since the radar dish, weighing about 25 kilograms, caused the mast to rotate unpredictably. Nevertheless, we managed to secure the mast on the jetty without damage, taking pride in the fact that we had accomplished this task with just the two of us.

Mizzen Mast Gin Pole System explained
Sketch of how we got the mizzen mast down

With the aft mast down, we turned our attention to the larger forward mast. The first step mirrored our earlier efforts: removing the boom and sail. However, the forward mast’s greater size and weight introduced additional complexities, particularly in utilizing an improvised mast-lowering device.

 

This device featured pivot points aligned with the mast base, allowing the mast to rotate as it was lowered. After some trial and error, we adapted blocks and pulleys from the mainsail system to construct a makeshift pulley system. This system was anchored to the windlass and bow cleat, giving us the mechanical advantage needed to control the mast’s descent – far from optimal but the best option we had.

 

Disconnecting the forestay was another hurdle. The bolts required significant force to loosen and one got dropped into the water by accident. Once freed, the forestay was secured to the mast-lowering device, known as “dead man / gin pole,” to guide the mast as it was lowered. Despite our apprehensions – chief among them the fear of the mast crashing onto the cabin roof – we proceeded with cautious optimism.

Gin Pole Instructions
Sketch of our plan to get the main mast down with a gin pole
How to: Gin Pole Pulley System
The makeshift pulley system we finally had enough trust in

Removing the secondary securing bolt at the mast base proved to be the most physically demanding part of the operation. Corrosion had fused the bolt in place, requiring a hammer and wooden block to dislodge it. As the mast began to tilt, the force needed to control its descent increased exponentially due to its length and weight.

Working in tandem, one of us operated the pulley system while the other steadied the mast. Despite the strain, the system held, and we successfully guided the mast onto the wooden cradle we had constructed earlier. The mast’s tip extended two to three meters beyond the stern, but it was securely fastened with straps and padding to prevent damage.

 

The aft mast was placed on the cabin roof, cushioned with pillows and tied to the forward mast for stability. The rigging remained attached, creating a somewhat chaotic scene on deck. While not ideal, this arrangement allowed us to retain the option of re-erecting the masts quickly if decided.

 

Looking back, the experience was both daunting and rewarding. Despite our lack of preparation and specialized tools, we managed to lower the masts without causing damage to the boat or the masts themselves. The only casualty was a small bolt that slipped into the water – a loss we considered negligible.

 

This unplanned operation reinforced the importance of adaptability and teamwork. While it was far from a perfect process, the satisfaction of overcoming such a significant challenge was undeniable. Lowering the masts had seemed like an insurmountable task at first, but in the end, it became a testament to what can be achieved with determination and ingenuity.

The Gin Pole System in Action