RS Aero Mast - Simple de-rig & stowage
For speed and simplicity it is possible to drop the RS Aero mast and stow it for storage or transport without undoing the outhaul and kicker (vang) ropes or shackle. Simply easing both will allow enough slack to drop the mast.
Lay the padded spar bag down the boat. Rest the boom, and then the lower mast as it is dropped, on top.
Sliding the top mast into the spar bag top first with the halyard in place means that half of the halyard is already stowed down the length of the bag. The remainder can then be quickly coiled and slid into the end of the bag.
For travel, wrap and clip the spar bag around both boom and lower mast to keep them padded and secure. Outhaul, kicker, kicker shackle and mainsheet can all stay in place, ready for a quick re-rig!
(Credit to Gareth who showed me this at the 2016 Bloody Mary, saving me time for my late arrivals ever since!)
Notes on Video;
- The rear clips of the spar bag can go around the toe strap for security
- If you leave one end of the JC strap attached to the boom the free end can then clip from the bow back onto the draw strings at the front end of the sail bags to help secure them.
- The 3 undercover ties can help to keep kit in the boat secure for travel