I managed to get up the mast this morning. Kudu was brought alongside the high harbour wall yesterday, and when the water had ebbed, I borrowed a ladder which I attached to both the topping lift and main halyard, then created as make shift bridge up to the masthead from the shore.
Once upon a time I wouldn’t have thought twice about it, but I haven’t been climbing for years so the height got to me a little. Well, not quite the height, more the moving ladder.
Once I got up there I assesed the damage. The antenna bracket is broken, and the masthead light is in tatters. I think I might be able to to fix it, but one of the (not cheap, LED) bulbs was broken, so I decided to just snip the cables and remove it. I still have nav lights, although I might be breaking the colregs very slightly by having the steaming light on… I guess I’ll just sail with the engine on tickover :p
It’s a bit annoying that it’s broken since I’ve only just fitted it all. Nevermind, these things happen… especially when Bridlington harbour put a flippin long keel boat next to you.
I take it the general attitude from all involved has been “not our fault”, right?
Its funny, you kinda think of harbours as a place of safety, not a place where you end up adding to lists of repairs!
Nice to see you’re on the move again. Managing OK with the bigger hops?
Dont entirely agree that the HM is at fault. The Stella owner should have known much better…. He should have insisted going alongside a patch of wall in a long keeler. Run all the chain out on the port side toe rails. I ALWAYS insist a patch of wall on Roach – some flat bottomed boats like barges tend to slide down on you.
If you have the steaming light on while sailing you will be seen as a power vessel and not given way to, As long as you are prepared to this and also do give way to all other sailing vessels you’ll probably be alright.