You have probably heard of "Barn Raisings", at CLSC we have mast raisings. We have raised the mast on Silver Swan, East Tennessee style. Not having the amenities of a boat yard, we did it by using 2 of the larger boats. Silver Swan was positioned between them and their halyards were fastened together and to a block and tackle. The block and tackle was connected to a loop under the spreaders. The loop was large enough to slip down the mast when we were done.

The mast was raised utilizing the larger winch until the mast base could be walked into proper position. The tradition of the penny was still in place from her first launching and I placed a Canadian Loony in for extra good luck.

The shrouds were connected, lowers and the baby stay, and forestay first. The after letting the block and tackle down, the backstay was attached. (The floor jack and traffic cone are for the dock repairs )

With the assistance of a LOOS gage the shrouds were centered and then adjusted to around 600 lbs tension. I felt that this would put minimal stress on the rig for a quick main only shake down in 5 knots of wind.

The boom and main sheet system was attached and then the main. Wes insisted on the shake down cruise, just like we did when we splashed Presto.

When we were back at the dock the shrouds were adjusted up to 1100 lbs. The check did not reveal any issues. Photographs taken by Harry Ross. I was a little distracted by the festivities and forgot to take any. Thanks to all that assisted, it went very well.