Main Mast Stepping

On Wednesday, after weeks of preparation, Shamrock's main mast was finally wheeled out of the boat shed and onto the quay, to await the arrival of forester Barney Guy, and his Unimog, to do the heavy lifting. After three positioning lifts, the heel of the mast was placed in the tabernacle and once the pivot pin had been inserted the mast was rested on the mizzen tabernacle. The top of the mast was partially dressed before the start of the final lift using the Unimog’s crane and completed using a National Trust Land Rover winch attached to the fore 'stay. After fitting the safety bolt, mast pin and releasing all the lifting wires it was time for the lunch break. Suitably refreshed all that was left to do was attach the shrouds, this was after Shaune had a quick trip up the mast, in the Bosuns’ chair, to release them as they had been lashed to the mast to prevent them snagging during the lift. Taking advantage of the number of crew available, the after deck house was lifted off and placed on trestles in the boat shed ready for a quick coat of paint and varnish.

Ready.

The whole procedure was captured on time lapse video.

Job Done.