Dismasted!

[JTMeissner]

Well, it could have been worse.

Got the phone call no one is wanting after some storms had come through the area.  One of the others in the marina got my number and left a message that my mast had fallen.  Being neighborly, he did get the mast up out of the water and everything back on top of the boat.  First picture below is how it was when I arrived.  I was both surprised and happy to see that the mast step was not ripped off the cabin top...

So, after cleaning up what I could (in the pouring rain), I was able to figure out what happened.  The front stay snapped at the swage connection on the mast.  I would guess then the mast fell backwards.  Instead of ripping up the cabin top, the mast bolt was snapped/sheared at the step slot (bolt was missing).  At the end of the boom, the crashing and such snapped the linkage to the main sheet blocks, but no other damage there.  I lost the sail stops out of the mast slot, but everything else seems to have survived.  At some point, the mast foot and sails were mucking in the bottom...

Pictures show the snapped stay.  Another stay started to unravel (wire poked me, so that's how I found that out).  I also have a mess of a sail to clean, time for some new lines I guess.  Nothing seemed harmed inside, will have to take another closer look when the weather cooperates.

I was prepared to patch quite the hole on top to keep the rain out... so like I said, it could have been worse.  40+ year old stays, should have been replaced as part of the rest of the overhaul.

Anyone know a good chandlery in the north Chesapeake area for wire stays?

-Justin

[K3v1n]

Yikes!
Guess better at the dock than out on the water.

[Finbar Beagle]

Justin,

Glad the CPOYA burgee survived,and all is good.

I was demasted on a siren 17 while under sail.  I was very lucky no one was hurt. 

Regards,
Brian