sophie hynch

One of the more daring aspects of sailing is a trip up the mast whilst a yacht is underway. This could be to effect repairs to battens or to rethread halyards. Simply put, halyards are 'ropes that go up and down' and sheets are 'ropes that go left and right'. The halyards pull sails to the top of the mast so it is vital that they run smoothly. Halyards can seize or break if not properly maintained and, of course are most vulnerable at the top of the mast. Climbing the mast can be scary in … [Read more...] about And you thought Sailing was a clean sport?