Instructions on how to lower the mast on a traditional Norfolk Broads sailing boat.

1. Moor up with the sails down. 

2. Lower the roof and put the short boom support in, lower the boom into the boom support. 

3. Loosen the thin rope holding the gaff round the mast and pull the gaff jaws away from the mast. Push the gaff jaws over to one side so they are well clear of the mast when it descends, you may need to loosen the throat and gaff halyards. 

4. Lower the jib.

5. Remove the forward hatch and lift up the metal mast gate.

6. Attach the secret weapon (elastic bungee) round the mast and shrouds.

7. Undo the forestay halyard.

8. Standing firmly on the foredeck, pull out the foot rope. Someone may need to pull the topping lift halyards from the cockpit to encourage the mast to start descending, but once the mast is no longer vertical, the lead weights will slowly lower the mast for you. Control the mast's descent using the foot rope. 

9. Once the mast is fully lowered into the boom support, you are ready to motor through a bridge. 

At Olivers Sailing Holidays our experts make sure that all our yacht mast are well balanced and easy to lower.

Raising the mast : 

1. Once securely moored up, stand firmly on the foredeck and control the ascent of the mast by pulling the foot rope through its cleat. Always ensure you pull through the cleat so that if you slip, at least the mast will be held by the cleat and not come crashing down. Look out for any halyards or shrouds that may have caught on the decks, etc, if you feel resistance, one may be caught, so slacken the foot rope and free it up. 

2. You should be able to pull the mast into a vertical position completely but if not, tighten the forestay which will help straighten the mast. Slide the mast gate into position. 

3. Undo the secret weapon and store securely. 

4. Replace the forward hatch. 

5. Raise the jib and ensure that there is equal tension between the jib and forestay otherwise it will be impossible to furl and unfurl the jib satisfactorily. 

6. Pull the gaff jaws back in line with the mast and pull them forward so they are as close to the mast as possible. Tighten the thin rope round the mast. 

7. Remove the short boom support and you are ready to sail. 

Raising the mast on Dreamtime. 

1. Once securely moored up, stand firmly on the foredeck and control the ascent of the mast by pulling the foot rope through its cleat. Always ensure you pull through the cleat so that if you slip, at least the mast will be held by the cleat and not come crashing down. Look out for any halyards or shrouds that may have caught on the decks, etc, if you feel resistance, one may be caught, so slacken the foot rope and free it up. 

2. You should be able to pull the mast into a vertical position completely but if not, tighten the forestay which will help straighten the mast. Slide the mast gate into position. 

3. Undo the secret weapon and store securely. 

4. Replace the canvas cover the put on the forward hatch. 

5. Raise the jib and ensure that there is equal tension between the jib and forestay otherwise it will be impossible to furl and unfurl the jib satisfactorily. 

6. Pull the gaff jaws back in line with the mast and pull them forward so they are as close to the mast as possible. Tighten the thin rope round the mast. 

7. Remove the short boom support and you are ready to sail. 

We love to receive photos and videos from our customers. These customers have very kindly agreed to let us post this video of them lowering the mast on Bright Spark for the first time.. They lower the mast a little quicker than we would recommend but its a great video!