Calling rock climbing sailors

[daddygoose]

I've been up the mast twice so far on our boat, just using the climbing gear we already had and a prussik rather than any fancier ascender devices.

Hauled two climbing ropes up on the main halyard and topping lift. Tied into one end of both, then one back to a prussik and belay device on my harness, one through the genoa block to a winch.

First time my wife winched me up, but was hard going and I was having to pull/bounce myself up my own rope to help.

Second time I added a foot loop to the prussik and just pushed myself up. Had the 7yo on the winch (with wife tailing) and let him think he was lifting me.

Knowing I can push myself up, probably won't bother with the second climbing rope again - it was only because the mast winch definitely isn't geared for my wife to lift me, so had to have something we could lead to the sheet winch. If it's only for backup, will just tie into the halyard itself, mast winch will be fine just as a belay device.

Bosun's chair might be comfy, but I'm not trusting the crusty old thing we found in a locker. If you've got foot loop(s) for ascending you can always just stand up for a bit if your harness gets uncomfortable.

Given we'll be four people living on a 37' cat, lightweight and compact is good.