The On Deck Channelvideo

A Really Quick Look at Riggers Going Up A HUGE Mast | Rigger Life

April 7, 2024 · 4 min · 944 views · St. Petersburg

What this video covers

Professional riggers perform a full rig inspection on a 100-foot ketch operated by the non-profit organization Sail Future.0:20 The vessel features a triple-spreader, four-panel mast standing 136 feet tall.2:09 During the inspection, a youth trainee ascends the mast to assist with the maintenance.0:45 The riggers utilize internal sheaves rather than external blocks for the ascent to ensure safety, as an external block failure could result in a fall.3:11 When working on masts of this height, the weight of the halyard itself can exceed the weight of the person in the bosun's chair, preventing them from descending.2:50 To mitigate this, the crew attaches a haul-down line to the bottom of the bosun's chair, allowing ground crew to pull the climber down if the line weight becomes excessive.2:54

Watch on YouTube

More from The On Deck Channel

This is My Favorite Upgrade on a Boat... | Leopard 50Oct 2026Get a Boat They Said... It Will Be Fun | New to Boat Life SeriesSep 2026First Time Sailing... Failed | New to Boat Life SeriesSep 202624 shipping containers. A lot more than rigging!Aug 2026

From The On Deck Channel — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.

Report an issue