Mast
14.
6
Grand Soleil 46.3'
Recommendations for the stepping and unstepping of the mast
These operations should be carried out only by specialized
technicians. The following guidelines are intended as a memo-
randum for them.
The stepping and unstepping of the GS 46.3'’s mast is a delicate
operation. Great care and attention must be taken to avoid injury to
people and damage to the yacht and rigging. Never stand or walk
under the suspended mast or the radius of the crane. These operations
must be carried out in absence of waves and wind in a protected area
utilizing suitable equipment.
Follow these guidelines for the unstepping of the mast:
• Remove the sails
• Disconnect the vang and the boom from the mast joint and
carefully place them on deck.
• Check that the passage of the mast is unobstructed by wires or
pipes. Disconnect all electrical wires and electronic cables at the
junction boxes taking care of labeling them clearly to later
facilitate the reconnection.
• All pipes and electrical cables must be positioned and held into
place to avoid pinching and damaging during the lifting of the step
through the deck.
• Make sure that the lifting sling is in good condition, appropriate
for this operation and solidly attached.
- It should be placed above the mast’s center of gravity so that the
mast will naturally keep itself in a vertical position.
- Normally the sling should be placed just under the upper
spreaders.
• Tie two lines at the extremity of the lower spreaders: they will
work as “bridles” to guide the mast through the operation.
• At this point, after slightly loading the lifting sling, the shrouds
and stays can be slackened and disconnected. All bolts and pins
must be taped in place to facilitate reinstallation.
• All shrouds, stays and running rigging must be securely tied to the
mast to avoid bending and over stressing during the operation.
This is particularly important for all rod components and especial-
ly for the Genoa furler.
• Lift the collar by pushing it from below decks.
• The mast is now totally held by the crane and can be lifted with
