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Past Commodore John Franklin has suggested developing a paper on best practices in mast climbing. I am opening this thread to gather expertise and advice from our members. I invite Alex Blackwell to tell about his experience with the Topclimber, a useful tool for single or short handed sailors that requires great care to use safely.

Vice Commodore, OCC 

I returned from the last OSTAR singlehanded and direct to the UK. Half way across, I had the spinnaker up and a halyard parted. This did not matter as I always rig both halyards. However, the next day I decided to replace it. I kept the kite up as it was set shy and kept Tamarind nicely heeled.

My method is to secure a Jumar (ascendeur) to the harness and hang a long loop from another as a step. Although I am right handed (and footed!), I always use my left foot - no idea why: it just feels right. I don 't use a 'spare ' halyard because I 'm worried about it snagging on the way up and I reckon I 've got enough to worry about without belaying that all the time

It worked well and, although the Jumar is not designed for descending, it is interesting how quickly one can do so! Mervyn Wheatley