Mast-Lifehack 1: Simply protect mast cables
Our mast cables for the VHF antenna, navigation lights and wind instrument are screwed into deck bushings in front of the mast base. Here they are quite exposed, which increases the risk of damage. We came up with a simple solution to protect the plugs and cables from being accidentally stepped on or colliding with the dinghy, which is often lashed to our foredeck. Instead of building it ourselves, we used a lamp cage from a specialised dealer. This protective basket made of stainless steel wire is designed to be attached to the mast, but normally further up in front of the steamer light to protect it from the genoa during manoeuvres. We have simply attached the guard just above the base of the mast so that nothing can happen to the cables. And thanks to the round shape, the foresheet doesn't get caught when manoeuvring. The lamp basket costs just under 60 euros and is quickly installed.
Mario Lanzke, Dortmund
Mast-Lifehack 2: Deflector for smooth turning
It's a recurring annoyance: especially in light winds, the genoa sheet quickly gets caught under the spinnaker pole attached to the mast or behind the gooseneck of the cable grommet. Not only does it have to be cleared by hand, the gooseneck is also at risk of tearing. A line stretched from the handrails to the mast provides a remedy. This simple deflector prevents the sheet from coming too close to the fittings and getting tangled behind them.
Joachim Kannengiesser, Kiel
Mast-Lifehack 3: Slackline protective cover as a deflector
As the genoa sheet on our wooden corsair got caught on the cleats on the mast when tacking, we had to do something about it. Replacing them with cleats would have been expensive and the problem with the jamming of the foresheet might not have been completely solved. My daughter then came up with the idea of attaching the protective cover of her slackline around the mast and the cleats. The deflector made of fabric and Velcro normally wraps around the ratchet of the slackline and reliably keeps the sheet away from the cleats. We have now re-sewn the textile deflector. This means that the cover can be used again on the slackline and the cleats are permanently covered on board.
Hendrik von Bodungen, Wangerland
Mast-Lifehack 4: Replace gooseneck with strop
The foresheet rubbed against the mast cables in front of the mast base during manoeuvres, so we decided to install a gooseneck to protect the cables from the increased wear. However, the foresheet got caught on it during manoeuvres, so we had to remove it again. A short, tightly tensioned wire strop now acts as a deflector. It is hooked into specially attached fittings on deck and on the mast. This protects the cables and turns can be made without wobbling or damaging the cable.
Werner Wölkhart, Köflach (Austria)
Do you have any advice for other sailors?
We will honour the publication of your lifehack with 50 EURO. Please add photos or sketches. We also need your address and bank details.
Submissions to: Editorial office YACHT, Quartier O, Paul-Dessau-Straße 8, 22761 Hamburg; or: mail@yacht.de
